Kochi, March 28 – The Sabarimala gold theft case has once again become a central topic in Kerala's political discussions, with the opposition intensifying its attacks on the ruling CPI-M and demanding accountability from the government.
As the April 9 Assembly election campaign gains momentum, the Sabarimala gold scam has emerged as a key campaign issue for the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) against the ruling Left government.
Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan questioned on Saturday why no disciplinary action has been taken against CPI-M leaders allegedly involved in the case, despite the seriousness of the charges.
Speaking to the media in Paravur, he said that both Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPI-M state secretary M.V. Govindan must clarify the party's stance and explain what he described as "continued protection" for the accused.
Satheesan pointed out that both the High Court and the Supreme Court had denied bail to the accused, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations.
The case involves allegations that gold ornaments belonging to Lord Ayyappa were stolen, and that even a gatekeeper idol was allegedly sold and replaced with a copper replica.
Satheesan noted that the accused spent days in custody and secured bail only due to delays in filing the charge sheet.
"What is the reason for the CPI-M to protect such individuals?" Satheesan asked, noting that some of the accused continue to hold positions as district committee members.
He argued that political parties typically take action even in relatively minor cases, making the inaction in a case of this magnitude particularly questionable.
The opposition leader also raised the possibility of political pressure, asking whether the accused were being protected to prevent them from naming influential figures, including a former and a serving minister.
He said that the Chief Minister and the party leadership owe an explanation to the public.
Three top CPI-M leaders, including two former presidents of the Travancore Devaswom Board and a serving employee, were among the 13 arrested in the case.
Alleging that the government was effectively "shielding wrongdoers", Satheesan accused the Chief Minister of evading questions on the issue, even as he addresses the media regularly during the election period.
With the controversy resurfacing, the issue is poised to remain a key flashpoint in Kerala's political landscape.