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Pandalam, Oct 18 (IANS) Opposition leader VD Satheesan on Saturday night launched a scathing attack on the CPI-M-led Left government, accusing it of hiding the theft of gold from the Sabarimala temple for more than six years.
Speaking at the UDF’s mega trust protection conclave in Pandalam, he claimed that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had full knowledge of the theft and he should reveal the truth to the people.
“The original Dwarpalaka plates were sold for huge sums. When the court asked who bought it, the government remained silent. Why did they repeat the gold after six years, when it had already happened in 2019?” He said.
He said the Kerala High Court has already brought to light the irregularities. In 1999, about 30 kg of gold was present in Sabarimala temple.
Gold was plated on the Dvarapalaka sculpture by Potti without official permission, in violation of Devaswom rules.
Satheesan further alleged that former Devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran had personal relations with Potti.
Satheesan challenged Surendran to deny his connections, saying, “Nothing happens in Devaswom without the knowledge of the minister and the board. If the theft had gone unnoticed, the same thieves would have struck again.”
The opposition leader criticized Vijayan and his government at Pandalam, a place that shares a deep historical and religious connection with the Sabarimala temple.
According to legend, Lord Ayyappan spent his human life as the adopted son of the Pandalam royal family.
This connection is confirmed every year through the Thiruvabharanam procession, when the sacred ornaments stored in the vault of the Pandalam Palace are taken to Sabarimala in a ceremonial procession three days before the Makaravilakku festival.
Pilgrims also visit the Valiyakoikkal temple near the palace, underlining the enduring role of Pandalam in temple affairs.
“This is not just theft, this is a betrayal of trust,” Satheesan said. He stressed that the agitation would continue until the stolen gold is returned to the Ayyappa sanctum.
He also mentioned similar theft at Ettumanur Mahadeva Temple.
“Looters with pockets full of temple property are now running the state,” he alleged.
Satheesan assured the devotees that if the United Democratic Front comes to power, all cases against those who took part in the protest under pressure from the customs and traditions of the Sabarimala temple will be registered within a month of them assuming power.
–IANS
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