What Does LoP Satheesan Want CM Vijayan to Say About the Sabarimala Gold Theft?
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Synopsis
In a powerful address at the UDF’s Faith Protection Conclave, V. D. Satheesan accused the Left government of hiding the truth about the Sabarimala gold theft for over six years. He demands accountability and transparency from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, asserting that the theft is a betrayal of faith that must be rectified.
Key Takeaways
- Leader of Opposition V. D. Satheesan accuses the government of hiding the truth about the Sabarimala gold theft.
- The Kerala High Court has highlighted irregularities related to the theft.
- Satheesan challenges Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to disclose the facts surrounding the incident.
- The historical and religious significance of Pandalam is emphasized in the context of the temple.
- Satheesan promises action against cases involving protestors if the UDF comes to power.
Pandalam, Oct 18 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition, V. D. Satheesan, launched a vigorous critique of the CPI-M-led Left administration on Saturday night, accusing it of hiding the Sabarimala temple gold theft for over six years.
During the significant UDF’s Faith Protection Conclave in Pandalam, he asserted that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is fully aware of the theft and must disclose the truth to the populace.
“The original Dwarapalaka plates were sold for an enormous amount. When the court inquired about the purchaser, the government chose to remain silent. Why was the gold replated after six years, especially when it had already been done in 2019?” he questioned.
He added that the Kerala High Court had already exposed the irregularities, noting that in 1999, approximately 30 kg of gold was housed in the Sabarimala Temple.
The gold plating of the Dwarapalaka sculpture was conducted by Potti with official authorization, breaching Devaswom regulations.
Satheesan further accused former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran of having personal ties with Potti.
“Nothing in Devaswom occurs without the minister's and board's knowledge. If the theft had gone unnoticed, the same criminals would have struck again,” he challenged Surendran to refute his connections.
The Opposition Leader criticized Vijayan and his administration at Pandalam, a locale with a profound historical and religious connection to the Sabarimala temple.
According to legend, Lord Ayyappan lived as the adopted son of the Pandalam royal family.
This bond is celebrated annually during the Thiruvabharanam procession, where sacred ornaments stored in the Pandalam Palace vault are ceremonially transported to Sabarimala three days before the Makaravilakku festival.
Pilgrims also frequent the Valiyakoikkal Temple located near the palace, emphasizing Pandalam’s lasting significance in temple affairs.
“This is not merely a theft; it represents a betrayal of faith,” Satheesan remarked, indicating that protests will persist until the stolen gold is returned to the Ayyappa sanctum.
He also referenced a similar theft at the Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple.
“Those pilfering temple treasures are now governing the state,” he asserted.
Satheesan assured devotees that if the United Democratic Front assumes power, all cases against individuals involved in protests during the Sabarimala temple customs and traditions being undermined will be resolved within a month of taking office.
Point of View
It is essential to understand that the allegations surrounding the Sabarimala gold theft underscore significant concerns regarding transparency and governance. The matter not only highlights the need for accountability in political leadership but also reflects the deep emotional connections that communities maintain with their religious sites. Such issues demand a balanced perspective to ensure that the voices of all stakeholders are heard, fostering a path toward resolution and trust.
NationPress
18/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sabarimala gold theft?
The Sabarimala gold theft refers to the alleged pilfering of gold and valuables from the Sabarimala temple, which has been a point of contention in Kerala's political landscape.
Who is V. D. Satheesan?
V. D. Satheesan is the Leader of Opposition in Kerala, representing the United Democratic Front and a vocal critic of the current Left government.
What are the claims made by Satheesan regarding the theft?
Satheesan has accused the government of concealing details about the theft for over six years and demands transparency and accountability from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
What is the significance of the Dwarapalaka plates?
The Dwarapalaka plates are sacred items associated with the Sabarimala temple, and their alleged sale and replating are central to the controversy surrounding the theft.
How does this incident affect the faith of devotees?
The allegations of theft and concealment have raised concerns among devotees about the integrity and governance of temple affairs, leading to a sense of betrayal.
