Kerala: Congress, BJP sharpen attack after arrest of former CPI-M MLA in Sabarimala gold case
Thiruvananthapuram Nov 20
The arrest of senior CPI(M) leader and former legislator A. Padmakumar in the Sabarimala gold heist case has triggered a political storm in Kerala, with the Congress and BJP sharpening their attacks on the ruling CPI(M), alleging deeper involvement of top leaders and even ministers in the scandal.
Padmakumar was the president of the Travancore Devasom Board in 2019 when the alleged scam took place in Sabarimala.
The arrest, the second high-profile detention after former TDB president N. Vasu, has intensified calls for an expanded probe and heightened pressure on the government.
Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan said the arrest has "shocked Kerala," describing it as a breakthrough that confirms that those close to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan were directly involved.
"This scam has seen a string of arrests of people close to CM Vijayan -- first N. Vasu, now Padmakumar. We are certain that former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran has a key role. He and prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti are thick pals," he alleged.
Satheesan recalled that when Vasu was arrested, Kadakampally quickly defended him as a "good official."
"He said so because he feared Vasu might spill the beans. The CPI(M) leadership knows what happened in Sabarimala. Now, more leaders will march to jail. If the High Court hadn't monitored the probe, the entire case would have been washed clean," he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, State BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said, "None of this would happen without CM Vijayan's knowledge. Minister V.N. Vasavan cannot continue in office -- he should resign. If the state government cannot protect temples from corruption, hand them over to Prime Minister Modi's government."
However, CPI(M) leaders defended their position, insisting that the investigation must take its legal course.
Party state secretary M.V. Govindan said, "Just because someone is arrested, it means nothing. The party will not shield anyone, but let procedures take their course."
Former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran firmly denied any role.
"In the gold-plating case, neither the first Vijayan government nor the present Vijayan government has any involvement. The Devaswom Minister sees no files -- all decisions are made by the TDB. Our role is limited to pilgrimage management," he said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally some action being taken! For too long, political parties have been using religious institutions for their benefit. Hope the investigation reaches the top levels and cleans up the system completely. Jai Ayyappa! ðŸ™
While corruption should definitely be punished, let's not forget that this is also becoming a political blame game. All parties - Congress, BJP, and CPI(M) - seem more interested in scoring points than actually solving the issue. The focus should be on temple reforms.
As someone who visits Sabarimala every year, this news is deeply disturbing. The sanctity of the temple must be protected above all political interests. The BJP's suggestion to hand over temples to the central government might be worth considering if state governments can't ensure proper management.
The pattern is clear - first Vasu, now Padmakumar. Both were close to the CM. How can anyone believe the CM didn't know about this? The CPI(M) should stop defending their leaders and let the law take its proper course without interference.
It's good that the High Court is monitoring this investigation. Without judicial oversight, these cases often get buried in our country. Hope justice prevails and the truth comes out, whoever may be involved.
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