BJP Alleges Security, Intelligence Lapses During Amit Shah's Keralam Visit

BJP Raises Security Concerns During Amit Shah's Visit

The BJP has alleged a serious security and intelligence lapse during Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Kerala after Youth Congress activists staged a black-flag protest near his convoy in Kollam.

The incident took place on September 26, when Shah was travelling from Kollam towards Kundara for scheduled programmes. BJP national secretary K Surendran subsequently questioned the security arrangements during the minister's visit.

Youth Congress Activists Stage Black-Flag Protest

According to reports, Youth Congress activists displayed black flags as Amit Shah's convoy was travelling from the helipad area in Kollam towards Kundara.

Police detained the protesters after they reached near the convoy route. The BJP has argued that the protesters should not have been able to approach the area given the security arrangements normally applicable during a Union Home Minister's visit.

BJP Alleges Intelligence Failure

BJP national secretary K Surendran alleged that the police failed to anticipate the demonstration and did not take adequate precautions.

He said the incident represented both a security lapse and an intelligence failure, arguing that authorities should have been aware of the possibility of a protest and taken preventive measures. These statements are allegations made by the BJP and are not established findings.

BJP Demands Investigation

The BJP has called for an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the protest.

BJP leaders, including Kerala MLA B B Gopakumar, have sought an investigation into whether established security protocols were followed and whether any officials were responsible for shortcomings in the arrangements. The BJP's Kollam district unit also held a protest march over the issue.

Kerala Police Rejects Security Lapse Allegation

Kerala Police has disputed the BJP's allegations.

A report submitted by the state police leadership said that there was no security lapse during the protest. Police said the protesters were removed before the Union Home Minister arrived at the relevant point and that his convoy was not obstructed.

Police Says Convoy Was Not Obstructed

The police position is that the protest did not interfere with the movement of Amit Shah's convoy.

According to the police report, the protesters were moved away before the minister's arrival and the convoy continued without obstruction. This differs from the BJP's assessment that protesters being able to approach the convoy area itself represented a security concern.

BJP Questions Police Response

Surendran criticised the police response and questioned the claim that there had been no security failure.

He also demanded clarification from Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan and state minister Ramesh Chennithala over the circumstances surrounding the protest. Surendran's remarks form part of the BJP's political response to the incident.

Political Tensions Follow Protest

The incident has also triggered political protests and counter-protests in Kollam.

Following the black-flag demonstration, BJP workers held a protest over the alleged security breach. Reports also described retaliatory incidents involving political flags and offices, further escalating tensions between BJP and Congress-linked groups in the area.

Amit Shah's Kerala Visit

Amit Shah was in Kollam on September 26 for multiple programmes, including events connected with the birthday celebrations of Mata Amritanandamayi and a cooperative-sector programme in Kundara.

The black-flag protest occurred while he was travelling between scheduled engagements.

What Happens Next?

The BJP has demanded a detailed inquiry into the security arrangements and identification of any officials responsible for an alleged lapse.

At the same time, the Kerala Police position is that there was no breach because the protesters were removed before Shah's arrival and the convoy was not obstructed. The contrasting claims leave the question of whether established security protocols were breached subject to further official examination.

Key Takeaways

• Youth Congress activists staged a black-flag protest near Amit Shah's convoy in Kollam on September 26, 2026.

• BJP leaders alleged security and intelligence failures during the Union Home Minister's visit.

• BJP national secretary K Surendran demanded accountability and questioned the police response.

• BJP leaders have called for an inquiry into the alleged security breach.

• Kerala Police has rejected the allegation of a security lapse.

• Police said protesters were removed before Shah arrived and that his convoy was not obstructed.

• The incident has led to political protests and counter-protests in Kollam.