Is Kerala LoP Planning a Legal Battle over the Sabarimala Idol Controversy?
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Synopsis
In a bold response to a legal notice regarding the Sabarimala idol sale, Kerala's Opposition Leader, V. D. Satheesan, vows to take action. This contentious issue raises questions about accountability and transparency within the Devaswom Board. Will this lead to a significant legal showdown?
Key Takeaways
- V. D. Satheesan is prepared to legally contest allegations regarding the Dwarapalaka idol.
- Kadakampally Surendran demands a public apology or faces defamation charges.
- The Kerala High Court has pointed to irregularities linked to the idol's sale.
- The ongoing protests in the Assembly reflect deep political tensions.
- Accountability and transparency within the Devaswom Board are under scrutiny.
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 9 (NationPress) V. D. Satheesan, the Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, announced on Thursday that he would take legal action in response to a lawyer's notice issued by former Devaswom Minister and CPI-M legislator Kadakampally Surendran. This notice concerns his comments about the alleged sale of the Ayyappa temple Dwarapalaka idol.
Surendran has demanded that Satheesan publicly retract his statements; failing to do so could lead to a defamation lawsuit amounting to Rs 2 crores.
Satheesan defended his comments, stating they were grounded in insights provided by the Kerala High Court. “It was the High Court which concluded that the original Dwarapalaka idol was sold,” he emphasized.
He highlighted that both the current Devaswom Minister and the Devaswom Board President have acknowledged that irregularities occurred back in 2019.
“At that time, Kadakampally was the Minister and held full responsibility,” Satheesan added.
He raised concerns about why no action has been taken against Unnikrishnan Potti, stating, “If Potti is solely responsible, why hasn’t a case been filed against him? If that occurs, Kadakampally and others will also be implicated. This is why the case has been suppressed.”
Referring to the High Court's ruling, Satheesan asserted that the government and the Devaswom Board were aware of the loss since 2022 but chose to conceal it.
“The court order clarifies everything. The authorities only acted after the issue was brought to court. Had the court not intervened, even the Ayyappa golden idol could have been lost,” he remarked.
Satheesan criticized the government and the Devaswom Board for lacking a credible defense.
“This is not merely a theft; it’s an organized cover-up,” he declared, vowing that the Opposition would persist in addressing the issue both legally and politically.
The assembly experienced four consecutive days of intense protests from the Opposition, with chaotic exchanges between both treasury and opposition benches, which often spiraled out of control.
On Thursday, Speaker A.N. Shamseer suspended three Congress legislators for indiscipline. Although the final session of this Assembly was scheduled for Friday, the ongoing protests led the Speaker to adjourn the house sine die on Thursday.
Point of View
It's imperative to approach this situation with an objective lens. The ongoing clash between political leaders over the Sabarimala idol raises significant concerns about governance and accountability. While V. D. Satheesan asserts his position based on judicial findings, the political repercussions of this dispute could shape public opinion and future actions within the Kerala Assembly.
NationPress
09/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sabarimala idol controversy?
The controversy involves allegations regarding the sale of the Ayyappa temple Dwarapalaka idol, leading to legal notices and political disputes.
What legal action is V. D. Satheesan planning?
Satheesan plans to respond legally to a defamation notice issued by Kadakampally Surendran over his remarks about the idol's sale.
Who is Kadakampally Surendran?
Kadakampally Surendran is a former Devaswom Minister and CPI-M legislator involved in the idol controversy.
What did the Kerala High Court conclude?
The Kerala High Court concluded that the original Dwarapalaka idol was sold, which has fueled the ongoing political debate.
What are the implications of this issue?
This issue highlights concerns about accountability within the Devaswom Board and could influence public trust in political institutions.
