Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 1 (NationPress) The political clash regarding the Sabarimala gold theft investigation has escalated, as State Local Self-Government Minister M.B. Rajesh fiercely countered Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan's claims. Meanwhile, UDF convener and Congress Lok Sabha member Adoor Prakash confirmed that he has not been summoned by the Special Investigation Team (SIT).

In response to Satheesan’s criticisms aimed at the SIT, Rajesh accused the Opposition leader of having undergone a “complete volte-face.”

He reminded that Satheesan had previously expressed faith in the SIT's investigation into the Sabarimala gold heist.

“Has that confidence vanished merely because the SIT suggested it might question the UDF convener?” Rajesh queried.

The minister highlighted that the Opposition celebrated when former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran was called for questioning.

“Now that Adoor Prakash’s name has emerged, the Opposition Leader is exhibiting blatant double standards,” Rajesh remarked and questioned the apparent panic when “one’s own leaders” are summoned for inquiries.

In a sarcastic remark, he suggested that if the Opposition feared the investigation's direction, they could “sing parody songs together,” turning it into a group lament.

Rajesh also challenged the Congress party’s assertion that their conduct was above suspicion.

He questioned why two Congress leaders met with senior party figure Sonia Gandhi alongside an individual implicated in the gold theft, implying that the party owes the public an explanation.

He further alleged that from the upper echelons to the grassroots, the Congress appears focused on the BJP, asserting there are covert Congress–BJP collaborations at various levels.

In the meantime, Adoor Prakash firmly denied reports suggesting he had been summoned by the SIT.

He stated he learned of these claims only through media outlets and insisted that no formal notice had been received.

Prakash accused political meddling, asserting the controversy was being orchestrated by Chief Minister’s political secretary P. Sasi.

He affirmed that he would fully cooperate if formally summoned and has nothing to conceal.

He clarified that his involvement in a Sabarimala 'annadanam' event was strictly religious, and he had no prior knowledge of any individual's alleged participation in gold smuggling.

Rajesh’s comments directly addressed Satheesan’s call for urgent High Court intervention, following allegations that the induction of two CPI-M-affiliated Circle Inspectors into the SIT was an attempt to undermine the investigation—claims that the Kerala government has vehemently denied.