The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will organise protests and campaigns to demand a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the gold theft case at the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. Party State general secretary M.T. Ramesh announced this during a press conference after a core committee meeting on Saturday. On Makaravilakku day, January 14, the party plans to light 'Sabarimala Samrakshana Deepam' in homes and key places across Kerala. This will raise awareness and press for action against those involved in the theft. Mr. Ramesh stated, "Sabarimala Samrakshana Deepam would be lit in all households and important centres in the State on Makaravilakku day on January 14 to raise the demand for a probe that would bring to book all those involved in the theft." He accused leaders from both the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and United Democratic Front (UDF) of involvement. While the Enforcement Directorate is probing the financial side, he highlighted corruption and the role of "international gold thieves" as crucial. The BJP insists a CBI probe is essential but the Kerala Chief Minister has rejected the idea. Mr. Ramesh questioned, "Why does the State government fear a CBI probe?" He promised more protest programmes to reveal the truth. The BJP also claimed it made significant gains in recent local body elections, despite alleged attempts by LDF and UDF to block the party’s rise. "The Congress and the CPI(M) are trying to form a front against the BJP. The latest example of this is the Sabarimala gold theft case," Mr. Ramesh added. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Thiruvananthapuram on January 11. He will meet BJP leaders and local body poll winners to discuss the party’s preparations for upcoming Assembly elections. Preliminary talks on these elections began at the core committee meeting, with further plans set to be outlined during Mr. Shah's visit.