Will Congress Persist in Protests Until TDB Chief Vasu's Backers are Arrested in the Sabarimala Gold Heist?
Synopsis
In a determined stance, the Congress party pledges to continue protests until all individuals involved in the Sabarimala gold heist, including former TDB president N. Vasu's influential supporters, face legal consequences. This commitment was expressed by K.C. Venugopal amid rising tensions regarding faith and political accountability in Kerala.
Key Takeaways
Congress vows to continue protests until all involved in the Sabarimala gold heist are arrested.
Venugopal highlights the need for accountability in the Devaswom Board.
Accusations against the government for facilitating gold smuggling .
Political affiliations within temple boards are questioned.
The Congress party aims to protect faith and cultural heritage .
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 12 (NationPress) The Congress party has vowed to persist with its protests until every individual implicated in the Sabarimala gold heist, including the influential backers of former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president N. Vasu, is held accountable. This statement was made by AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal during the initiation of the KPCC demonstration outside the Kerala Secretariat, wherein they demanded the apprehension of all suspects and the resignation of Devaswom Minister and CPI-M leader V.N. Vasavan.
Venugopal asserted that Vasu, who previously ran and succeeded as a CPI-M candidate for the panchayat presidency, is now being misrepresented by the party as merely an official.
“From 2019 to 2025, various Devaswom Boards systematically siphoned off temple assets. While the gold cherished by Ayyappa devotees was stolen from Sabarimala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the Devaswom Minister have remained mum. Nothing transpires without Pinarayi Vijayan’s awareness,” he claimed.
Charging the government with treating the Devaswom Board as a political tool, Venugopal indicated that this attitude had facilitated gold smuggling with international connections—an issue only highlighted due to the High Court’s involvement.
He noted that the government, which once confronted devotees over women's entry into Sabarimala, has now “looted Ayyappa’s wealth” by filling temple boards with party affiliates.
Venugopal cautioned that the Congress will oppose any infringement on faith and accused the government of attempting to impede the Special Investigation Team operating under court oversight.
“When one faith is assaulted, it jeopardizes others as well. The Congress will maintain its position, whether regarding Sabarimala, Waqf, or assaults on Christian organizations,” he declared.
Targeting the BJP, Venugopal remarked that the party’s leaders have exhibited “notable silence” regarding the heist due to their implicit agreement with the CPI-M.
“For the BJP, faith and deities are merely electoral instruments. For the Congress, they embody unity and harmony,” he emphasized.
Leading the protest, KPCC president and MLA Sunny Joseph accused the government of trying to conceal the case and shield the wrongdoers.
Prominent leaders such as Ramesh Chennithala, Deepa Dasmunshi, Kodikunnil Suresh, M.M. Hassan, and K. Muraleedharan were present at the demonstration.
Point of View
The ongoing protests by the Congress party reflect a broader concern regarding political accountability and the protection of cultural heritage. The involvement of influential figures in the alleged Sabarimala gold heist raises questions about governance and public trust. It’s crucial for the nation to observe how this situation unfolds, as it may impact the political landscape significantly.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sabarimala gold heist?
The Sabarimala gold heist refers to the alleged theft of gold and valuables from the Sabarimala temple, which is a significant pilgrimage site for Ayyappa devotees.
What are the Congress party's demands?
The Congress party demands the arrest of all individuals involved in the gold heist and the resignation of the Devaswom Minister, V.N. Vasavan.
What role does the High Court play in this issue?
The High Court's intervention has been crucial in bringing the issue of gold smuggling to light, highlighting the need for accountability in the Devaswom Board.
Why is this issue significant for religious communities?
The ongoing protests underscore the intersection of faith and politics, raising concerns about the protection of temple assets and the treatment of devotees' beliefs.
