Sabarimala Shrine Gold-Plating Controversy Sparks Uproar in Kerala Assembly

The Kerala Legislative Assembly erupted in chaos on Monday as lawmakers clashed over missing gold sheets from the revered Sabarimala shrine's sanctum sanctorum. The uproar led Speaker AN Shamseer to cancel the scheduled Question Hour, forcing a temporary adjournment of the proceedings.

Opposition leader VD Satheesan demanded the resignation of both the Devaswom Minister and the President of the Travancore Devaswom Board, citing alleged mishandling of the controversy. However, attempts to proceed with the day's agenda were thwarted as Opposition members staged an aggressive protest inside the House.

Brandishing placards and chanting slogans accusing government complicity in the alleged theft, Opposition MLAs obstructed the Speaker's view and prompted a tense standoff with ruling party members. Finance Minister KN Balagopal condemned the incident as a historical anomaly, while Parliamentary Affairs Minister MB Rajesh criticized the Opposition's actions as staged drama lacking genuine intent.

In the face of continued obstruction, Speaker Shamseer scolded members for disrespecting parliamentary procedures and adjourned the session. With the matter already under judicial review by the Kerala High Court, the Opposition vowed to amplify its protests, insisting upon accountability and resolution in the gold-plating debacle.

Minister Rajesh noted the Assembly's long history of addressing public grievances, countering that the government's openness stands in contrast to the Opposition's retreat from dialogue. He suggested the protestors intended merely to stage a scene, accusing them of political cowardice and pre-emptive theatrics.

(With inputs from agencies.)