Kerala Election 2026: Kharge Slams LDF Over Sabarimala Gold Theft

KOZHIKODE — In a high-voltage launch of the United Democratic Front (UDF) election campaign, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing attack on the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, accusing it of systemic corruption and religious insensitivity.

Addressing a massive “clarion call” rally in Kozhikode on Wednesday, Kharge targeted the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government over the controversial Sabarimala gold theft case, claiming the Left has “not even spared God.”

The rally was originally scheduled to be addressed by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. However, Gandhi’s trip was abruptly cancelled after his mother, Sonia Gandhi, was admitted to a hospital in New Delhi. In his absence, Kharge took center stage, framing the upcoming April 9 polls as a decisive battle for Kerala’s identity.

Every vote for the BJP is a vote gifted to the LDF

📍 Kozhikode, Keralam pic.twitter.com/jRIQIa3CL4

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) March 25, 2026

The Sabarimala Gold Theft Controversy

The Congress President’s sharpest remarks were reserved for the alleged misappropriation of nearly 4.54 kilograms of gold from the sacred ornaments and door frames of the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple. “The LDF government did not even spare God. They stole gold from the Sabarimala temple,” Kharge alleged, adding that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been used to shield culprits rather than punish them.

The case has seen several high-profile arrests, including former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) officials. Kharge criticized the government for allowing the accused to secure bail, suggesting a lack of political will to protect the sentiments of devotees.

Economic Crisis and the “Communist-Janta Party” Allegation

Beyond religious issues, Kharge hit out at the state’s burgeoning debt, which he claimed is approaching ₹6 lakh crore. He alleged that under the LDF’s 10-year rule, the individual debt burden on every Malayali has risen to approximately ₹1.7 lakh.

In a move to consolidate anti-incumbency votes, Kharge further alleged a “secret understanding” between the CPI(M) and the BJP, mockingly referring to the alliance as the “Communist-Janta Party (CJP).” He claimed the BJP is fielding weak candidates specifically to assist the LDF in key constituencies, urging voters to see through the “unholy alliance.”

Also Read: https://thehourglassnews.com/west-bengal-sir-2026-voter-list-update/

UDF’s Election Guarantees

Seeking to unseat the LDF from the 140-member assembly, Kharge announced a series of welfare promises, including:

• Free KSRTC bus travel for all women.
• ₹3,000 monthly welfare pension (up from the current levels).
• Oommen Chandy Health Insurance Scheme providing ₹25 lakh coverage per family.
• ₹1,000 monthly support for college-going girls.

As Kerala prepares to vote in a single phase on April 9, the UDF is banking on the “ire of devotees” and economic dissatisfaction to regain power. With the results scheduled for May 4, the political battle in the south has officially reached a fever pitch.

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