Should Devasom Minister Resign and TDB Members Be Dismissed?
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Synopsis
The call for accountability intensifies as Leader of Opposition Satheesan demands the resignation of Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan and the removal of the Travancore Devaswom Board amidst ongoing investigations into the Sabarimala gold scam. This situation raises serious questions about governance and integrity in religious institutions.
Key Takeaways
- Political pressure mounts on Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan.
- Serious allegations regarding the Sabarimala gold scam have emerged.
- The Kerala High Court has flagged violations by the TDB.
- Calls for accountability reflect public concern over governance.
- Unnikrishnan Potti's involvement raises questions about oversight.
Palakkad, Oct 22 (NationPress) A political uproar has erupted concerning the Sabarimala gold scam, with Leader of Opposition (LoP) Satheesan calling for the resignation of the current Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan and the removal of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB).
Satheesan emphasized that recent observations from the Kerala High Court have highlighted the gravity of the allegations, insisting that V.N. Vasavan should step down and the TDB be disbanded.
Expounding on the fraud, Satheesan revealed that the scam dates back to 2019, involving the alleged replacement of original gold-plated Dwarapalaka plates with counterfeit copper sheets, with the originals being sold to private entities.
“The previous TDB leadership, alongside ‘sponsor’ Unnikrishnan Potti, who is currently under arrest, was already under scrutiny. The existing Board knowingly reassigned work to the same Potti in 2025,” stated Satheesan.
He also pointed out inconsistencies in the actions of the Devaswom Commissioner.
“On July 30, the Commissioner reportedly opposed assigning gold plating tasks to outsiders and cautioned against trusting a private agency. However, just a week later, the decision was reversed, and the work was awarded to Potti again, allegedly following intervention from the current TDB President,” LoP Satheesan added.
The High Court’s recent interim observations indicated that the Board transgressed both Devaswom manuals and previous court directives while permitting the plates to be relocated.
The court also noted that without its intervention, the Dwarapalaka plates removed in 2025 might have also been sold.
“This is not merely negligence; it is a systematic looting of temple gold. The Minister should resign immediately, and the entire Board must be ousted,” Satheesan asserted.
He further accused the President of the Devaswom Board of having a direct role in overruling the Commissioner’s concerns.
“If officials are under suspicion, why is the President still in position?” the leader questioned.
Notably, P.S. Prasanth, the current TDB President, is affiliated with the CPI-M.
Previously, he was a prominent district leader in the Congress party and unsuccessfully contested the 2021 Assembly elections in his home constituency in the capital district.
Following his electoral defeat, he left the Congress party and joined the CPI-M, subsequently being appointed as the President of the TDB.
Point of View
It's crucial to approach this unfolding scandal with impartiality and a commitment to the truth. The allegations surrounding the Sabarimala gold scam highlight significant governance issues within religious institutions. The public deserves transparency and accountability from its leaders, particularly when faith and trust are at stake. It's vital to monitor the developments in this case closely to ensure that justice prevails.
NationPress
22/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sabarimala gold scam?
The Sabarimala gold scam involves allegations of the fraudulent replacement of gold-plated Dwarapalaka plates with fake copper sheets, with the original plates reportedly sold to private parties.
Who is V.N. Vasavan?
V.N. Vasavan is the current Devaswom Minister whose resignation is being demanded by the Leader of Opposition, Satheesan, amidst the ongoing investigation into the gold scam.
What actions have been taken by the Kerala High Court?
The Kerala High Court has noted serious violations by the Travancore Devaswom Board and highlighted the need for accountability in the handling of the gold plates.
What role did Unnikrishnan Potti play in the scam?
Unnikrishnan Potti is identified as a key figure in the scam, having allegedly facilitated the replacement of genuine gold plates with fake ones.
Why is there a call for the dismissal of the Travancore Devaswom Board?
The call for the dismissal arises from claims of negligence and complicity in the gold scam, raising questions about the Board's governance and trustworthiness.
