Kerala Assembly disrupted as UDF walks out over Sabarimala Gold Case

The Kerala Assembly on Monday witnessed chaotic scenes as the ruling LDF and the opposition UDF clashed sharply over the Sabarimala gold loss case , leading to a boycott of proceedings and a walkout by the Congress-led opposition.

The uproar began soon after Question Hour, with UDF members accusing the state government of mishandling the probe into the alleged loss of gold linked to the Sabarimala temple and of targeting the temple’s Tantri (chief priest), Kandararu Rajeevaru. Raising slogans and holding placards demanding the resignation of Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan , opposition members staged a protest in front of the Speaker’s podium before squatting in the well of the House.

In the absence of Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan, who is away on his ‘Navayuga Yatra’, senior Congress legislator K Babu conveyed the UDF’s stand. He alleged that the Tantri was arrested without any credible evidence, while key accused in the case had secured bail due to lapses in the investigation. He further claimed that the arrest was politically motivated and linked to the Tantri’s opposition to the government’s position on the women’s entry issue at Sabarimala.

The Sabarimala gold case relates to alleged irregularities and loss of gold ornaments and valuables associated with temple-linked events, which reportedly came to light following programmes organised in connection with Sabarimala, including the Global Ayyappa Sangamam held under the Travancore Devaswom Board with government support. After complaints surfaced, a Special Investigation Team was constituted to probe the matter. The arrest of the Tantri and the subsequent grant of bail to other accused have since sparked political controversy, with the opposition alleging selective action and administrative failure.

Strongly rejecting the allegations, Law Minister P Rajeev said the opposition’s criticism was effectively directed at the judiciary, as the investigation is being monitored by the Kerala High Court . He said the SIT probe was progressing in the right direction and that investigation reports were being submitted directly to the court in sealed covers. “The government has no role in the investigation. Whether the Tantri is an accused or a complainant does not concern the government,” he said.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister M B Rajesh also criticised the UDF, asserting that the Tantri enjoyed no special privilege over other accused persons. Both ministers accused the Congress and the BJP of attempting to exploit the Sabarimala issue for political gains and warned that such moves could undermine Kerala’s secular fabric.

Amid intense sloganeering from both sides, including treasury bench members displaying posters, Speaker A N Shamseer briefly took up other listed business, including the Nativity Card Bill. However, following the UDF walkout and continuing disruption, he adjourned the House for the day, bringing the session to an abrupt end.