The Kerala Legislative Assembly once again witnessed noisy scenes on Tuesday as the opposition created a ruckus during the Question Hour over the Sabarimala gold plating controversy.
Opposition Targets Devaswom Board & Minister
Raising the issue during the Question Hour, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan said the Kerala High Court’s recent findings in the case were “shocking.” He alleged that the Travancore Devaswom Board had cheated devotees by purchasing the Dwarapalaka idol at an inflated price.
“The Devaswom Board has deceived lakhs of devotees. The Devaswom Minister should step down, and the Board must be dismissed. The government has to state its stand today,” Satheesan demanded.
As Speaker A.N. Shamseer attempted to move on with the day’s agenda, opposition MLAs trooped to the front of the House, shouting slogans and holding banners that blocked the Speaker’s view.
Government Pushes Back, Calls Protest ‘Political Theatre’
Law Minister P. Rajeev countered the opposition’s accusations, saying both the Devaswom Board and the Minister had already agreed to cooperate with any inquiry. “The opposition’s act of rejecting the High Court’s decision is narrow-minded and politically motivated,” he said.
Joining him, Parliamentary Affairs Minister M.B. Rajesh accused the opposition of showing disrespect towards the judiciary. “They have suffered repeated setbacks in court. Just yesterday, the Supreme Court told them not to bring their politics here. They are afraid of debate, afraid of the people, and afraid of the truth,” he said, adding that one of the members involved in the controversy was absent from the session.
Speaker Urges Order, Question Hour Called Off
Amid the commotion, Speaker A.N. Shamseer appealed to opposition members to stop covering his face with banners and reminded them that there were proper procedures for raising urgent matters.
“The government is open to a discussion. The High Court has already ordered an SIT probe — what more can be done?” he asked.
However, with the protests continuing, the Speaker was forced to cancel the Question Hour, and the Assembly proceedings came to a halt.
Court Orders SIT Probe Into Gold Theft Allegations
The uproar came just a day after the Kerala High Court ordered a Special Investigation Team to probe the alleged theft of gold meant for the Sabarimala temple’s plating work. The court directed that the inquiry remain confidential and barred the leaking of any details.
The SIT will be headed by former Superintendent of Police S. Sasidharan under the supervision of Crime Branch ADGP H. Venkatesh. The team will include three inspectors, including cyber experts, to ensure a transparent and comprehensive investigation.
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