Sabarimala gold theft row disrupts Kerala Assembly proceedings

The Kerala Assembly remained paralysed as the Opposition intensified its attack on the CPI(M)-led government over the Sabarimala gold theft, demanding the resignation of the Devaswom Minister and alleging undue pressure on the investigation, citing High Court observations

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Assembly on Thursday remained paralysed as the Opposition sharpened its attack on the CPI(M)-led government over the Sabarimala gold theft, with Leader of the Opposition (LoP), V.D. Satheesan, asserting that the issue warranted ministerial resignations, not another round of legislative debate.

Addressing the media outside the Assembly, LoP Satheesan said the Opposition had deliberately refrained from giving notice for a discussion as there was “nothing left to debate” when the High Court itself had made what he described as “shocking revelations” in its November 5 order.

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The Opposition’s core demands, he said, were the resignation of Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan and an end to what it alleged was undue pressure from the Chief Minister’s Office on the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case.

Satheesan pointed out that the court had observed that despite being aware of the 2019 gold theft — where prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti allegedly misappropriated 475 grams of gold — the Devaswom Board proceeded to entrust him with gold-plating work again, in clear violation of judicial directives.

Even more serious, he said, was the finding that Potti was summoned again in 2024, backed by an “urgent” letter from the then Devaswom Board president, followed by a Board order allowing the work to be carried out under sponsorship.

According to Satheesan, the court had also noted that although there was sufficient time to undertake repairs at Sabarimala ahead of the Mandalam season, arrangements were made to send out the Dwarapalaka idols, creating what he termed a “manufactured urgency” in 2025.

“For this, both the Devaswom Minister Vasavan and the then Board president bear full responsibility,” he said, adding that the Opposition’s demand for the minister’s resignation was firmly grounded in the court’s observations.

Taking aim at the Treasury Benches, Satheesan criticised ministers M.B. Rajesh and Sivankutty for their Assembly remarks, accusing them of attempting to deflect attention by dragging Sonia Gandhi into the controversy.

“Did Sonia Gandhi commit the gold theft?” he asked, noting that photographs of Potti with various leaders, including the Chief Minister, existed, but that was not the issue.

“The charge is that the Chief Minister protected those involved,” he said.

Satheesan further alleged that former Devaswom Minister and senior CPI-M legislator Kadakampally Surendran had a “clear role” in the case and that pressure was being exerted to prevent his arrest, fearing further revelations.