Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala): The opposition in Kerala has launched a sharp attack on the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government over the alleged disappearance of four kilos of gold from the Sabarimala temple, raising questions about governance and timing ahead of the Ayyappa Sangamam scheduled on Friday in Pampa.

UDF accuses govt, Devaswom Board of conspiracy

Leader of Opposition VD Satheeshan alleged that individuals within the state government and the Travancore Devaswom Board conspired to “loot” gold belonging to Lord Ayyappa. He demanded that the government clarify the issue before organising a large-scale religious event.

“The opposition’s adjournment notice was on the theft of gold from Sabarimala. Yet tomorrow, the government is going ahead with the Ayyappa Sangamam. Before organising such an event, the government must tell devotees where the four kilos of gold have gone. Is the Sangamam being held to atone for the sin of stealing the gold?” Satheeshan asked.

The UDF also criticised the event’s promotional material, noting that flex boards carried pictures only of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan, while omitting images of Lord Ayyappa and the Devaswom Board president.

Opposition calls Sangamam a political stunt

According to Satheeshan, the function was nothing more than a political exercise. He posed three key questions to the government:

  • Will the state correct the affidavit it filed in the Supreme Court regarding ritual violations?

  • Will it withdraw the cases registered against the Nama Japa procession and Congress leaders?

  • Is the sudden unveiling of a master plan for Sabarimala a genuine initiative or just an election tactic after nine years of inaction?

    • Custodial torture protest continues

    The opposition also linked its criticism to wider governance failures, including the Kunnamkulam custodial torture case. Satheeshan reiterated that UDF protests would continue until officers accused in the case are dismissed.

    UDF MLAs Saneesh Kumar Joseph and AKM Ashraf, who had been on an indefinite satyagraha at the Assembly entrance since Tuesday, suspended their protest as the session concluded on Thursday. However, they vowed to resume demonstrations when the Assembly reconvenes on September 29.

    Kerala High Court orders probe into missing gold

    Meanwhile, the Kerala High Court has ordered a probe into discrepancies in the Sabarimala temple’s gold plating project. The court noted that copper plates removed from the ‘Dwarapalaka idols’ in 2019 for repair and electroplating were returned with four kilos less gold than recorded.

    The court directed the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer of the Travancore Devaswom Board, who also serves as Superintendent of Police, to conduct a detailed inquiry into the loss. The controversy deepened after it was revealed that the Board had removed the plates without informing the Sabarimala Special Commissioner or obtaining court approval.

    Conclusion

    With the Ayyappa Sangamam scheduled to begin in Pampa, the controversy over missing temple gold and accusations of political opportunism have cast a shadow on the event. While the government insists on proceeding, opposition parties have vowed to continue pressing for accountability both on the Sabarimala issue and in the custodial torture case.