Kerala BJP Demands Apology from CM Over Sabarimala Gold Scam

Key Takeaways

The Kerala BJP is demanding accountability in the alleged Sabarimala gold scam.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar calls for an apology from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Protests include demands for a CBI inquiry and withdrawal of certain legal documents.

The Supreme Court is involved in the ongoing legal proceedings regarding the case.

The situation highlights the intersection of faith and politics in Kerala.

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 24 (NationPress) Asserting the need for accountability regarding the alleged Sabarimala gold scandal, Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar stated on Tuesday that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan ought to "make an apology before Lord Ayyappa" due to the handling of this sensitive issue.

This statement was made during the party's "Ayyappa Jyothi" protest held outside Cliff House, the official residence of the Chief Minister. BJP supporters illuminated lamps and shouted slogans accusing the government of protecting the actual offenders while targeting both devotees and temple officials.

Chandrasekhar asserted that the arrest of the Sabarimala Tantri was driven by political motivations and lacked substantial evidence.

He contended that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) was primarily focused on safeguarding the Devaswom Minister and others within the government from scrutiny concerning the gold theft allegations.

Furthermore, he claimed that the court had explicitly noted the absence of evidence against the Tantri, yet he was apprehended without delay.

This action, he argued, was designed to distract from the broader concerns surrounding the alleged gold scandal.

The BJP outlined three primary demands: a CBI investigation into the Sabarimala gold case, the withdrawal of the affidavit submitted by the State government to the Supreme Court, and the dismissal of what the party termed as "false cases" filed against devotees.

Additionally, the party alleged that certain intermediaries were collaborating on behalf of both the CPI(M) and the Congress, thereby complicating what they referred to as a “politically compromised” investigation.

In a related update, the Supreme Court queried whether there was any gold left in the temple while considering the bail request of one of the accused, Pankaj Bhandari, with further hearings scheduled for March 9.

A total of 13 individuals have been arrested, with six receiving bail, while the others have also filed petitions for bail.

As the Sabarimala controversy resurfaces with renewed political implications, this protest signifies an escalation in the BJP's campaign against the Left government, placing the temple issue at the forefront of the state's political discussions.

Point of View

The BJP's protest over the alleged Sabarimala gold scam exemplifies the ongoing political tensions in Kerala. The call for an apology from the Chief Minister reflects deeper issues within the governance and accountability mechanisms in the state, suggesting a significant intersection of faith and politics that warrants attention.

NationPress

9 May 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Sabarimala gold scam?

The Sabarimala gold scam involves allegations of gold theft linked to the temple and accusations of political manipulation surrounding the investigation.

Who is Rajeev Chandrasekhar?

Rajeev Chandrasekhar is the President of the Kerala BJP and a prominent political figure in the state.

What demands did the BJP make regarding the gold scam?

The BJP has demanded a CBI inquiry, the withdrawal of the state's affidavit in the Supreme Court, and the dismissal of false cases against devotees.

Why did the BJP protest outside Cliff House?

The protest outside Cliff House was to demand accountability from the Chief Minister regarding the handling of the Sabarimala gold scam.

When is the next hearing related to the case?

The next hearing regarding the Sabarimala gold scam is scheduled for March 9.