Thiruvananthapuram, October 6 (IANS) Kerala Legislative Assembly on Monday witnessed a stormy session as the Congress -led opposition began intense protests when the gold plates used in the sanctum sanctorum of Sabarimala temple began intense protests.
As soon as the House was called, the opposition members forced the speaker to suspend the hour of question and temporarily postpone the session.
The banner read by the opposition, “Ayyappan’s gold was swallowed by temple authorities”, triggering a loud exchange between the Treasury and the opposition benches.
Leader of the opposition VD Satheson alleged that a part of the gold used for the golden cover of the temple had gone missing and demanded the resignation of Devaswom Minister Vannwasavan.
He said that the government was refusing to fully discuss this issue in the House.
As the speaker tried to move forward with an hour of question, opposition legislators surrounded the chair, covered it with a banner, and raised the mantras of “Swami Saranam Ayyappa”.
He demanded a CBI inquiry as to what he described as a serious violation of the public trust involving the revered temple.
Finance Minister KNA Balagopal condemned the protest, saying that the disintegration of the Question Hour was against the democratic norms and was derogatory to the people.
Speaker Shamser appealed for the order, asking members to reduce their banners and remind them that such behavior was unique. Vasavan said that vigilance is currently investigating the issue.
After the ruckus, the session was summarized.
When the assembly resumed, the opposition continued its pilgrimages and intervened was the Minister of State and MB Rajesh, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, who said that the current assembly has a record in Kerala, as it has raised many adjournment movements for discussion.
“So far, this assembly has been sitting 188 days and for only nine days the opposition has not sought a holiday for a stay motion, and today is a day. It shows the fear of discussion of the opposition. They want to make a smokscreen on this particular issue and are therefore running away from taking leave for a postponement speed,” said Rajesh.
Meanwhile, reports stated that Devasavom Vigilance has found anomalies in statements made by Annik Rrrishnan Poti, a prominent person associated with Temple Gold Plating, and is planning to submit a report in the High Court very soon.
Preliminary findings suggest possible collusion between sponsors and officials, with vigilance sources that scientific verification may be required to confirm the authenticity of the returned gold plates.
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SG/DPB