Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 8 (NationPress) The BJP in Kerala staged a protest outside the official residence of the Chief Minister, demanding accountability regarding the alleged mismanagement and theft at the Sabarimala temple. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the state BJP president, spearheaded the protest, asserting that Hindu devotees have faced ongoing assaults under the Left administration.

During his speech, Chandrasekhar remarked, “For nearly a decade, CM Vijayan has consistently targeted Hindu devotees. The year 2016 was significant when people were disillusioned with Congress' governance, prompting Vijayan to call for resignations.”

He expressed concerns over widespread reports of theft in Hindu temples and questioned why such irregularities are prevalent solely in Hindu religious institutions.

Chandrasekhar cautioned both the ruling CPI(M) and Congress that the BJP would not remain passive any longer.

“The public can no longer be deceived. We will not permit this to persist,” he stated. He outlined specific demands, including the resignation of the Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan and the Board chairman, as well as a thorough investigation into the last 30 years of the Travancore Devaswom Board’s operations by a central agency.

“We will go to any lengths to guarantee this occurs. The report on the TDB’s 30 years must be released,” he insisted.

This protest occurs amid intensified scrutiny regarding the ongoing Sabarimala gold plating row, which has already caused three consecutive days of turmoil in the Kerala Legislative Assembly. Notably, the BJP lacks representation in the 140-member Assembly.

The controversy involves the gold plating of the Dwarapalaka idols, which were allegedly transported to Chennai without proper authorization, igniting discussions on procedural errors and adherence to temple traditions.

Assembly sessions were repeatedly interrupted, leading the Speaker to intervene and temporarily adjourn the House. In his first public response, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the Opposition’s disruptive behavior while confirming that all legal and administrative actions, including SIT investigations, were being pursued impartially.

Chandrasekhar’s demonstration underscored the BJP’s aim to position temple governance as a major political issue, indicating that the party will persist in advocating for administrative transparency, accountability, and a comprehensive investigation into alleged irregularities at Sabarimala.

The BJP has also stressed the importance of addressing devotees’ concerns and preserving the sanctity of one of Kerala’s most esteemed temples.