Kerala Chief Minister Accuses Opposition of Distracting Tactics in Gold Controversy

Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has criticized the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) for allegedly creating a “smokescreen” regarding the ongoing controversy over gold-plating at the Sabarimala Temple. Speaking in the state assembly on October 8, 2023, Vijayan claimed that the UDF was obstructing discussions to avoid confronting the facts surrounding the issue.

The remarks came as tensions escalated in the assembly following a scuffle between UDF legislators and security personnel. The opposition has been vocally demanding the resignation of V N Vasavan, the Devaswom minister, due to accusations of irregularities linked to a significant reduction in the weight of gold-plated coverings on the temple’s ‘Dwarapalaka’ idols.

Vijayan asserted that the Left government has a history of taking strict action against wrongdoing, maintaining that it would not shield anyone implicated in the controversy. “The opposition is trying to create a smokescreen. It’s very easy for them,” he stated, emphasizing that the government welcomes scrutiny and is prepared to present facts to the public.

In the wake of the controversy, the Kerala High Court ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the allegations. The court highlighted that the weight of the gold-plated coverings had decreased by approximately 4.5 kg since they were last removed from the shrine in 2019 for gold-plating. This discrepancy was revealed during court proceedings, which raised concerns about the transparency of the Devaswom officials.

Vijayan noted that the investigation is being handled by a senior officer with the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) and expressed confidence that it would be thorough. “If there’s a culprit, not a single offender will escape,” he declared.

The chief minister also condemned the disruptive behavior of opposition members, which he described as unprecedented. UDF members allegedly obstructed the Speaker’s view and engaged in physical confrontations, which included accusations of assaulting watch-and-ward personnel. Vijayan characterized these actions as humiliating and condemned the misuse of parliamentary privilege.

The UDF had previously boycotted assembly proceedings in protest against the government’s response to the gold-plating issue. The court’s recent directive for a comprehensive inventory of all valuables at Sabarimala, supervised by retired Justice K T Sankaran, underscores the seriousness of the allegations.

As the political drama unfolds in Kerala, the focus remains on the investigation and the implications it may have for the state government and its opposition. The events at Sabarimala not only reflect the tensions within the assembly but also raise questions about governance and accountability in the management of religious institutions.