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Key Points

The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee has announced a series of protest marches against the Devaswom Minister over the Sabarimala gold theft case. Led by prominent Congress leaders, the protests will demand the minister's resignation and a CBI investigation. The movement highlights alleged mismanagement and potential political interference in the theft of gold from the sacred temple. These protests are strategically timed before local body and Assembly elections, aiming to put pressure on the state government.

Key Points: Congress Launches Kerala Sabarimala Gold Theft Protest March

  • Congress to hold statewide protests starting October 14
  • Leaders demand Vasavan's resignation over gold theft case
  • Processions will cover four districts ending at Pandalam
  • High Court intervention highlighted potential misappropriation
2 min read

Congress to hold protests in Kerala over Sabarimala gold theft

Kerala Congress protests against Devaswom Minister over Sabarimala gold theft, demanding resignation and CBI investigation

"The issue is not just about stolen gold but concerns temple faith and public trust - Sunny Joseph, Kerala Congress President"

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 7

The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), on Tuesday, announced a series of statewide protest marches from October 14 against the State Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan demanding his resignation over the alleged protection of the accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case.

The protests will start with a meeting in Pathanamthitta on October 9, inaugurated by Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal.

On October 9 evening, Congress ward committees across the state will hold candlelight protests highlighting the issue.

Following this, processions from four districts will be organised, concluding on October 18 at Pandalam.

Leaders spearheading the marches include former KPCC President K. Muraleedharan from Kasaragod, Congress Working Committee member Kodikunnil Suresh, UDF Convener and Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram MP Adoor Prakash, and Benny Behanan, Congress MP from Moovattupuzha.

State Congress President Sunny Joseph accused the current Devaswom Minister of being aware of the gold theft, failing to investigate, and reappointing individuals involved.

Joseph said that the issue is not just about stolen gold but also concerns temple faith, rituals, and public trust, asserting that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan bears joint responsibility.

He emphasised that the Kerala High Court had noted the risk of misappropriated gold being transferred, which the Minister Vasavan cannot justify.

Joseph called for a CBI investigation under High Court's supervision, citing the possibility of political interference in the state police probe and stressing that the inquiry must extend across states.

He said that only a central probe agency under judicial oversight could ensure impartiality and accountability.

He also highlighted that gold sheets worth crores of rupees and weighing several kg had disappeared from Sabarimala, yet neither the state government nor the Devaswom Board acted to recover the assets or prosecute the accused.

He credited the High Court's intervention for uncovering the involvement of both the Devaswom board and the Kerala government in the case.

With the present Assembly session ending on Thursday, the Congress has decided to take the protests outside of the state Assembly as the local body polls is to be held soon and the Assembly polls next year.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally some action! Congress is right to demand Vasavan's resignation. When gold worth crores goes missing from a holy temple and the minister protects the culprits, it shows the government's true colors. Jai Ayyappa! 🙏
S
Sarah B
While I support protests against corruption, I hope this isn't just political drama before elections. Both parties need to be accountable when it comes to temple administration. The focus should be on recovering the gold and punishing the guilty.
A
Arjun K
As someone who visits Sabarimala every year, this news breaks my heart. The gold offerings are from devotees' hard-earned money and faith. The government must act swiftly and transparently. CBI inquiry is the only solution now.
M
Michael C
The timing of these protests is interesting with local body polls coming up. While the gold theft is serious, let's not forget this has become a political tool for all parties. The common devotee suffers either way.
K
Kavya N
When will our temples be safe from political interference? This is why many devotees are losing faith in temple administrations. Hope the candlelight protests bring some sense to the authorities. Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa! ✨

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