Political Uproar in Kerala Assembly Over Gold-Plating Controversy

Tensions flared in the Kerala Assembly as members of the opposition, led by the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), protested vehemently, resulting in an adjournment. The protest centered on demands for the resignation of Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan following allegations of scandal involving gold plating at the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple.

Speaker A N Shamseer attempted to maintain order and conduct legislative business, but ultimately adjourned the session when UDF members intensified their protests. Holding placards and raising slogans, the opposition disrupted proceedings, accusing the government of ignoring their previous demands to address the issue on the Assembly floor.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister M B Rajesh accused the UDF of avoiding substantive discussion on the matter, while the speaker questioned the opposition's reasons for disrupting the session. Allegations of reduced gold since 1998 and recent recoveries of missing temple artifacts have fueled calls from Congress and BJP for a CBI investigation into the episode.

(With inputs from agencies.)