Senior BJP leader and Kazhakuttom MLA-elect V. Muraleedharan has sharply criticised the delay in government formation in Kerala, as he accused the Congress of being paralysed by internal power struggles even after securing a decisive electoral mandate.

He pointed out that Kerala remained without a full-fledged government more than a week after the election results, unlike the other four States where governments had either already assumed office or announced swearing-in dates, he said, while participating in a meet-the-press programme organised by the Thiruvananthapuram Press Club on Tuesday (May 12, 2026).

He said the Congress leadership’s inability to select a Chief Minister, despite winning over 100 seats, reflected a deep organisational crisis and is one of the reasons why voters across the country were increasingly distancing themselves from the party.

Responding to questions on the role of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) in government formation, the BJP leader clarified that he had not said the party should be denied ministerial positions.

Instead, he said the Congress must introspect on whether yielding to the IUML’s demands was appropriate. Referring to reports that the party leaders have independently conveyed their views to Congress central observers during consultations on leadership selection, Mr. Muraleedharan said “self-respecting Congress workers” should reflect on whether their party’s decision-making was being influenced by an ally.

Mr. Muraleedharan urged the incoming United Democratic Front (UDF) government to clarify its stand on the alleged Sabarimala gold theft. Pointing out that the UDF had expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which the issue was investigated during the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government’s tenure, he demanded that the new administration announce how it intended to proceed with the probe after assuming office.

He also called for the withdrawal of cases registered in connection with the Sabarimala agitation. According to him, several protesters, including former BJP State president K. Surendran, had been booked in cases that were politically motivated and part of a vindictive approach adopted during the demonstrations in the name of protecting temple customs.

Raising concerns over the onset of the monsoon, Mr. Muraleedharan said questions had already emerged over whether adequate pre-monsoon cleaning and preventive measures had been undertaken by the outgoing LDF administration. With rains already beginning in several parts of the State, he warned that delays in government formation could hinder disaster preparedness and civic maintenance activities.

He added that he has already initiated coordination efforts in Kazhakuttom constituency and has scheduled discussions with the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. Meetings have been scheduled with the Mayor, standing committee chairpersons, and superintendents of various wings to expedite works falling under the civic body’s jurisdiction.