Tensions boiled over in the Kerala Legislative Assembly for the third consecutive day as opposition lawmakers clashed fiercely with the ruling Left Democratic Front over the ongoing investigation into the alleged theft of gold offerings from the Sabarimala temple.
The United Democratic Front (UDF), spearheaded by Congress, accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s government of rushing to close the high-profile case ahead of upcoming assembly elections. Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan led a vociferous protest, slamming the probe as a ‘staged’ affair designed to shield influential figures. ‘This is nothing but a cover-up to protect the powerful,’ Satheesan thundered, drawing sharp retorts from treasury benches.
Satheesan also condemned the Chief Minister for dismissing recent assembly scuffles as ‘child’s play,’ demanding an apology. He further called for the expunging of derogatory remarks made against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra from the house records.
Ministers M.B. Rajesh, P. Rajeev, and V. Sivankutty countered aggressively, accusing the opposition of politicizing a serious criminal matter. Rajesh rejected demands to remove comments, insisting no offensive language was used by the ruling side. Rajeev fired back, questioning how the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, allegedly maintained links with senior Congress figures.
The exchange escalated when ruling party members flashed photos purportedly showing Potti with national leaders, prompting UDF members to retort with similar images involving Left leaders. ‘This selective outrage exposes double standards,’ they shouted amid chaotic scenes.
Repeated disruptions forced multiple adjournments, culminating in the opposition’s walkout. Official records show 13 arrests so far, but the Special Investigation Team (SIT), formed under Kerala High Court orders, missed the 90-day deadline for filing a charge sheet, leading to bail for three accused.
Opposition leaders hailed this as proof of a deliberately botched probe, while the government maintained the investigation remains on track under judicial oversight. As polls loom, the Sabarimala gold case continues to cast a long shadow over Kerala’s political landscape, with both sides digging in for a prolonged battle.