Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 1 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, expressed significant apprehension regarding the gold plating of the Dwarapalaka idol at the Sabarimala temple, raising questions about the management of this revered asset.

“The gold plating conducted in 1999 came with a 40-year warranty, so it is perplexing why it was sent for re-plating while the warranty remained active,” Satheesan remarked.

He highlighted that the initial weight of the gold for plating was 42 kilograms, yet upon its return, 4 kilograms were unaccounted for.

“Why was there no inspection performed upon its return?” he questioned.

Satheesan also scrutinized Unnikrishna Potty's involvement, stating, “It’s peculiar that individuals implicated in the gold theft were seen participating in the Global Ayyappa meeting.”

In the midst of this uproar, former president of the Travancore Devaswom Board (the entity overseeing temple operations), A. Padmakumar, also a prominent CPI-M leader, called for a comprehensive investigation into administrative actions taken over the years.

Padmakumar challenged whether all authorizations and procedures adhered to the Devaswom Manual.

He particularly pointed to the installation of a folding roof above the 18th step, questioning its approval during which tenure.

“During my term, it was removed as it was deemed unnecessary,” he affirmed.

He further urged for scrutiny of the foreign trips made by Travancore Devaswom Board officials, emphasizing the need to investigate any discrepancies during both his tenure and prior periods.

Padmakumar insisted that the investigation should encompass issues dating back to 1998, mentioning the sponsorship of gold plating under Vijay Mallya.

He stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in temple management, insisting that all alleged irregularities be thoroughly investigated.

Meanwhile, Ananthagopan, another senior CPI-M leader who took over from Padmakumar, indicated that pursuing an inquiry would be beneficial, reflecting a collaborative approach towards transparency.

These recent statements emerged just two days after the Kerala High Court directed a meticulous investigation into the gold plating issue, underscoring the necessity for rigorous scrutiny and confidentiality.

The court instructed the Chief Vigilance Officer of the Travancore Devaswom Board to conduct the inquiry, led by a retired district judge.

The investigation will involve a verification of items in the strong room, examination of the Thiruvabharanam register, and reporting any lapses by officials.

The court emphasized the discrepancies in the weight of the gold-coated plate, particularly the almost four-kilogram loss upon its return, highlighting the need for accurate record-keeping.

Senior CPI-M leader E.P. Jayarajan defended the Board, asserting that the Sabarimala meeting from last month should be perceived as an effort to elevate the temple’s global profile.

He compared these efforts to those in Mecca and Medina, noting that attracting devotees from various regions also generates revenue, thereby emphasizing the broader economic and cultural significance of temple management.