Amit Shah to boost BJP's Kerala presence with new office launch
Amit Shah's Kerala visit marks a strategic move to bolster BJP's influence in the state. He will inaugurate the new party office in Thiruvananthapuram and address a major outreach event. The visit, including a temple prayer, aligns with BJP's cultural engagement efforts as the party gears up for the 2026 assembly elections against the dominant LDF and UDF.
New Delhi, [India], July 11 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Kerala on July 12 to attend a series of important political and cultural events across the state. Shah will begin his day by inaugurating the new Kerala BJP office on July 12 morning. The ceremony will take place at KG Marar Road in Thiruvananthapuram and is expected to witness the presence of senior BJP leaders and party workers. Following the event, the minister will address the 'Viksit Keralam Sammelan' at Putharikandam Maidan in Thiruvananthapuram-- seen as a major outreach initiative by the BJP as it aims to expand its footprint in the southern state.
In the evening, Shah will travel to Kannur, where he will offer prayers at the renowned Sri Rajarajeshwara Temple in Taliparamba. The visit to the temple is seen as part of the BJP's continued engagement with the cultural and spiritual fabric of Kerala.
The visit comes at a time when political activities are intensifying in Kerala with the assembly elections expected to be held next year and the party looking to energise its cadre. The next Kerala Legislative Assembly election is expected to be held in May 2026. This election will be held to elect 140 MLAs to the 15th Kerala Legislative Assembly. The current tenure of the Kerala government is from May 24, 2021, to May 23, 2026.
The upcoming election is anticipated to be a fierce contest between the incumbent Left Democratic Front (LDF), headed by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), and the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), led by the Indian National Congress. Meanwhile, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is likely to strengthen its presence and maintain a firm third position.
Meanwhile, on July 10, the central government also approved the release of Rs 1,066.80 crore to various states affected by floods and landslides, including Kerala. Among the six flood affected states, Assam received Rs 375.60 crore, Manipur Rs 29.20 crore, Meghalaya Rs 30.40 crore, Mizoram Rs 22.80 crore, Kerala Rs 153.20 crore, and Uttarakhand Rs 455.60 crore, as Central share from State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), according to Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) data. Highlighting the Centre's effort for the welfare of states, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said through a post on X handle that "Modi govt stands resolutely beside the states in all situations." (ANI)