Amit Shah warns of ‘slowly emerging threats’ in Kerala, questions role of PFI, SDPI and Jamaat-e-Islami

Thiruvananthapuram ;Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday warned that while Kerala may appear calm on the surface, several “slowly emerging threats” could pose serious dangers in the future if not addressed in time. Speaking at a conclave organised by leading Malayalam daily Kerala Kaumudi, Shah stressed that identifying and eliminating hidden threats was crucial to ensuring the state’s long-term safety and development.

Addressing concerns over internal security, Shah questioned the role of certain organisations and political outfits, asking whether they were truly capable of safeguarding society. “Some organisations do not believe in coexistence. If they do not believe in living together, how can they ensure unity and safety?” he asked, without mincing words.

The Home Minister specifically named organisations such as the Popular Front of India (PFI), Jamaat-e-Islami, and political parties like the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI). “I want to ask the people of Kerala through this platform — can organisations like PFI, Jamaat-e-Islami, and parties like SDPI really keep Kerala safe?” Shah said. He asserted that it was the government’s responsibility to identify such threats early and take decisive steps to eliminate them.

Referring to the nationwide ban on the Popular Front of India, Shah said the decision had significantly improved internal security across the country. “Neither the LDF nor the UDF clearly opposed or supported the ban on PFI. Wherever I go in the country, I state this clearly — by banning PFI, we have put its entire network behind bars. As a result, the whole country has become safer,” he claimed.

Shah further emphasised that law and order issues often have “invisible and dangerous forces” operating behind the scenes. “Only when we identify those hidden elements that disturb law and order can Kerala truly be safe. And only then can Kerala move forward on the path of development,” he said.

Highlighting Kerala’s strategic and social importance, the Home Minister underlined that security must be treated as a priority. “Kerala’s safety is extremely important — not just for the state, but for the nation as a whole. Peace today should not make us complacent about the threats of tomorrow,” Shah warned.

His remarks are likely to trigger political debate in the state, especially with the LDF and UDF often accused by the BJP of taking a soft stand on extremist organisations. However, Shah maintained that national security decisions must rise above political considerations and be guided solely by the goal of protecting citizens.