Kochi: BJP president Nitin Nabin on Saturday launched the party’s Kerala Assembly election campaign, promising to fight for justice in the Sabarimala gold loss case and expressing confidence of winning in a state traditionally dominated by the Congress and Left fronts.

On his maiden visit to Kerala, Nabin toured Ernakulam and Thrissur districts, held meetings with BJP and NDA leaders, and participated in party events. In Thrissur, he painted the lotus, the BJP’s symbol, during a wall-writing programme at Booth 164, formally flagging off the campaign. “This marks the official launch of the BJP’s election charge in Kerala, signalling a new era of political resolve,” the party said.

In Kochi, Nabin said the BJP would fight for justice in the Sabarimala issue. He offered prayers at the Sri Adi Shankara Janmabhoomi temple and visited the Sri Sringeri Math in Kalady. “We prayed for the people of Kerala to be safe and move towards development. We are fully with the people of Kerala,” he said.

Nabin said the BJP shares public concerns about Kerala’s development and is committed to making the state prosperous. He accused both the ruling LDF and the UDF of “playing games” over the Sabarimala issue.

“We will fight fully on the Sabarimala issue and bring justice,” he said.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted following directions from the Kerala High Court, is probing two cases related to gold allegedly lost from the Dwarapalaka idols and doorframes of the sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) at the Sabarimala shrine. The SIT has arrested 12 people, including two former Travancore Devaswom Board presidents linked to the CPM.

In Thrissur, Nabin asserted that the BJP would come to power in Kerala after this year’s Assembly elections, citing growing public support.

He said the Central government had significantly supported Kerala, including a 23 per cent increase in loans and a doubling of grants-in-aid. “The Centre has never shown a miserly attitude towards Kerala, and these figures prove that,” he said at the ‘Intellectual Meet on Union Budget 2026 and Viksith Kerala’.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Nabin said the Viksit Bharat Budget 2026 aligns with Kerala’s aspirations, unlocking growth in tourism, rare earths, high-value agriculture and other sectors.

He also claimed that decades of LDF and UDF rule had led to stagnation and decline in key sectors. “When the NDA comes to power, we will protect Kerala’s cultural heritage while ensuring development. Women, youth and farmers will be empowered, and business growth will be encouraged,” he said.

PTI