NewKerala.com

Key Points

The Kerala Assembly witnessed major disruptions as the opposition protested over the Sabarimala gold theft case. LoP V.D. Satheesan accused ruling party MLAs of making unparliamentary remarks and disrupting proceedings. He claimed the Speaker allowed offensive comments while using excessive security against opposition members. The opposition plans to continue protests across Kerala demanding accountability for temple thefts.

Key Points: Satheesan Slams LDF MLAs Over Sabarimala Gold Case Assembly Ruckus

  • Opposition demands resignation of Minister Vasavan over temple theft allegations
  • Watch-and-ward staff prevented opposition MLAs from participating in protest
  • CPI(M) legislator made derogatory remarks against persons with disabilities
  • Satheesan claims only Ayyappa's gold idol remains in Sabarimala temple
2 min read

Sabarimala gold case: Ruckus continues in Kerala Assembly, LoP Satheesan blames Left MLAs

Kerala LoP V.D. Satheesan accuses LDF MLAs of unparliamentary conduct and disrupting Assembly proceedings over Sabarimala temple theft case.

"The real issue is not that the Dwarapalaka idol was cut and sold; it is that we exposed it. - V.D. Satheesan"

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 9

Leader of Opposition (LoP) V.D. Satheesan on Thursday accused ministers and ruling LDF MLAs of making unparliamentary remarks and deliberately disrupting the functioning of the Kerala Legislative Assembly.

Speaking to the media at the Assembly gates after walking out of the Assembly, Satheesan said the Speaker allowed ministers and MLAs to make offensive comments while a large deployment of watch-and-ward personnel was used to control opposition members during a peaceful protest.

“The opposition continued its protest, demanding the resignation of Minister Vasavan and the removal of Devaswom Board members. Watch-and-ward personnel prevented M. Vincent from participating freely, and Saneesh Kumar Joseph was injured. The Speaker tried to carry on proceedings with excessive security staff, ignoring unparliamentary behaviour by ministers and MLAs,” Satheesan said.

He added that CPI(M) legislator P.P. Chitharanjan insulted persons with disabilities through derogatory remarks, and Minister Ganesh Kumar targeted M. Vincent, president of the KSRTC INTUC workers’ union.

“The Speaker allowed all of this to happen. Ministers Rajesh and Rajeev repeatedly made statements demeaning the opposition. This is anti-democratic,” he said.

Satheesan further said, “Am I supposed to go into political exile? The real issue is not that the Dwarapalaka idol of Lord Ayyappa was cut and sold; it is that we exposed it. If the court had not intervened, even the gold idol could have been taken. The current minister, Vasavan and Devaswom Board officials invited ‘sponsor’ Unnikrishnan Potti again this year to remove temple items. Now only Ayyappa’s gold idol remains,” added Satheesan.

With the Assembly session likely to be adjourned sine die on Thursday, the opposition has vowed to continue its stir outside the Assembly, with a series of protest marches across the state already announced.

On October 18, a march from Chengannur to Ayyappa’s birthplace is also planned to highlight the temple thefts and demand accountability from the Vijayan-led Left government.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Both sides are playing politics with Sabarimala. While the allegations are serious, the opposition's walkout and protests seem more like political drama than genuine concern for the temple. The focus should be on protecting the temple's assets, not scoring political points.
A
Arjun K
As a devotee who visits Sabarimala every year, this news breaks my heart 💔. Cutting and selling temple idols? This is adharmic! The government must ensure proper security and transparency in temple administration. Ayyappa devotees deserve better.
S
Sarah B
The disrespect shown to persons with disabilities is completely unacceptable. Our legislative assemblies should set examples of dignified conduct, not sink to such lows. Hope the Speaker takes responsibility for maintaining decorum.
M
Meera T
The fact that only Ayyappa's gold idol remains is terrifying! What kind of protection is being provided to our ancient temples? The government needs to answer why Unnikrishnan Potti was invited again despite previous controversies. This smells of corruption.
D
David E
While I support the opposition's right to protest, using excessive security in the Assembly sets a dangerous precedent. Democracy thrives on debate and discussion, not on suppressing dissent. Both sides need to show more maturity.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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