NewKerala.com

Sabarimala Gold Scam: BJP Demands Minister's Resignation Amid Massive Corruption Allegations

The Kerala BJP has launched a significant protest against the Sabarimala temple gold theft, demanding the resignation of Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan. BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar accused the Travancore Devaswom Board of systematic corruption and called for a central agency investigation. The party's women's wing staged a massive demonstration at the State Secretariat, highlighting the alleged massive misuse of temple funds. The controversy intensified with the arrest of prime accused Unnikrishna Potti by the Special Investigation Team.

Key Points: Sabarimala Gold Theft BJP Demands Vasavan Resignation CBI Probe

  • BJP demands immediate disbanding of Travancore Devaswom Board
  • Calls for CBI or ED investigation into gold theft
  • Protests staged at State Secretariat against temple corruption
  • Unnikrishna Potti picked up by special investigation team
2 min read

Sabarimala gold scam: Kerala BJP chief demands Minister's resignation, Travancore Devaswom Board officials and probe by central agency

Kerala BJP escalates Sabarimala gold scam controversy, calling for minister's resignation and central agency investigation into temple gold theft.

"The theft of 4.5 kg of gold from Sabarimala was not a minor lapse but a massive act of corruption - Rajeev Chandrasekhar"

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 16

Kerala Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Rajeev Chandrasekhar, on Thursday, accused the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) of having "degenerated into a broker's establishment" and called for the immediate disbanding of the TDB, resignation of State Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan and an investigation by a central probe agency into the Sabarimala temple gold scam case.

He made this remark while inaugurating a huge protest of the BJP's women wing in front of the State Secretariat.

"The theft of 4.5 kg of gold from Sabarimala was not a minor lapse but a massive act of corruption and looting under the watch of the Kerala government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. We will ask the Union government to hand over the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation or the Enforcement Directorate," Chandrasekhar said.

State BJP General Secretary Sobha Surendran asserted that the BJP Mahila Morcha would lead a sustained battle against the "Sabarimala looting" by the state government.

"While the Congress leaders debated on television when rituals in Sabarimala Temple were violated, BJP cadres took to the streets to defend the temple traditions," Surendran said.

State BJP Mahila Morcha President Navya Haridas said that the current protest is a continuation of the struggle waged years ago to protect the temple's customs and traditions.

Many women, who had faced police cases, for chanting prayers during the earlier protests were present as well.

Haridas ridiculed the state government's "Ayyappa Sangamam" as a "global empty gathering" and alleged massive misuse of funds collected in the name of Sabarimala.

While the BJP women wing's protest was taking place against Unnikrishna Potti, the prime accused in the two FIR's registered by the Special Investigation Team of the Kerala Police to probe the Sabarimala gold theft case, Potti was picked up from his residence in the state capital Thiruvananthapuram by a team of police officials.

His counsel Sasthamangalam Ajith said that there is no knowledge of Potti, his client, as no one knows where his whereabouts are.

"I had informed the SIT Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar that if they need to question his client Unnikrishna Potti, he will appear before them. The SIT Chief replied saying that he will let me know. But now none knows where Potti is. We are waiting to see if he will be produced before any court," Ajith added.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I support a thorough investigation, I'm concerned about the timing. BJP seems to be using this for political mileage ahead of elections. The focus should be on temple administration reform, not political point-scoring.
M
Meera T
As someone who visits Sabarimala every year, this breaks my heart 💔. The sanctity of the temple is being compromised. The entire TDB needs complete overhaul - it's become a den of corruption. Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa!
A
Arjun K
The disappearance of the prime accused Potti is highly suspicious. How can someone just vanish when police are supposed to be investigating? This whole case stinks of cover-up. Central agency probe is the only way forward.
S
Sarah B
I appreciate that women are leading this protest. The same women who faced police cases for protecting temple traditions are now fighting against corruption. True devotion means standing up for what's right.
V
Vikram M
Both state and central governments need to stop playing politics with our temples. Sabarimala belongs to devotees, not politicians. Let there be a transparent investigation and proper accountability. Enough of this drama!

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50