Amit Shah Affirms Modi Government’s Unprecedented Financial Support to Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – In a significant political statement, Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared on Saturday, July 12, 2025, that the Narendra Modi-led government has allocated substantially more funds to Kerala compared to preceding Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) governments. This assertion comes amidst ongoing debates and criticisms regarding the Centre’s financial treatment of the southern state, with Shah directly refuting claims of unfairness. His remarks set a clear tone for the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) narrative on their commitment to the state’s welfare and development.

Addressing a gathering, Shah not only highlighted the increased financial outlay but also launched a sharp critique against both the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala. He accused both coalitions of widespread corruption, detailing various alleged scams that have plagued the state under their respective tenures. Among the alleged illicit activities he cited were an explosives scam, a cooperative bank scam, an AI camera scam, the controversial Life Mission scam, a PPE kit procurement scam, and even a state-sponsored gold smuggling operation. These accusations aim to underscore a perceived lack of transparent and efficient governance by the traditional political forces in Kerala, setting the stage for the BJP as a viable alternative.

Transparency in Kerala Funding: A Pledge Fulfilled

In a move to bolster his claims and ensure public accountability, Amit Shah announced that comprehensive details of the Central funds disbursed to Kerala would be publicly released later the same day through the BJP head office. This commitment to transparency directly challenges the narrative of central neglect and aims to provide tangible evidence of the Modi government’s financial dedication to Kerala. Such a step is designed to empower citizens with verifiable information, allowing them to assess the veracity of his statements independently. The BJP’s strategy appears to be one of proactive disclosure, aiming to dismantle criticisms with concrete data.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for Kerala, as articulated by Shah, revolves around three core pillars: governance entirely free from corruption, non-discrimination in the implementation of government schemes, and a commitment to development that transcends narrow political gains. This vision stands in stark contrast to the alleged practices of the LDF and UDF, portraying the BJP as a party focused on equitable and inclusive progress for all sections of society, irrespective of political affiliation. The emphasis on “Viksit Keralam” (developed Kerala) above all else underscores the BJP’s aspirations for the state’s future.

BJP’s Stance on Kerala Funding and Development

Shah drew a crucial distinction between the BJP and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], both cadre-based parties. He argued that for the CPI(M) in Kerala, the welfare of their party cadres takes precedence over the state’s overall development. In contrast, for the BJP, the overarching goal of “Viksit Keralam” and the welfare of its people are prioritized above the interests of its own cadre. This philosophical difference, as presented by Shah, aims to position the BJP as a party genuinely committed to public good and holistic development, rather than merely serving its political base.

Beyond economic and developmental assertions, Amit Shah also touched upon national security, affirming that only Prime Minister Modi and the BJP possess the resolve and capability to effectively combat terrorism. He cited India’s decisive responses to the Uri and Pulwama attacks as evidence of this strong stance. His speech began with a gracious apology for not speaking Malayalam, a gesture aimed at connecting with the local populace, and included a tribute to the revered 8th-century Vedic scholar Adi Shankara, acknowledging Kerala’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

The Union Home Minister’s visit included the inauguration of a new BJP office in Thiruvananthapuram, symbolizing the party’s expanding footprint and organizational strength in the state. Later in the evening, he was scheduled to visit the historic Sri Rajarajeshwara Temple in Taliparamba, Kannur. This visit is part of the BJP’s broader efforts to engage deeply with Kerala’s cultural and spiritual fabric, aiming to connect with the populace on a more profound level than just political rhetoric. These strategic engagements are particularly pertinent as political activities intensify in Kerala, with assembly elections anticipated in May 2026. These elections will determine the composition of the 15th Kerala Legislative Assembly, which will elect 140 MLAs, and will follow the tenure of the current government, which runs until May 23, 2026. Shah’s powerful statements and strategic engagements are clear indicators of the BJP’s serious intentions to make significant inroads into Kerala’s political landscape.