In a dramatic escalation of the Sabarimala temple scandal, Kerala Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Rajeev Chandrashekhar has expressed profound anguish, stating that the latest revelations are "far more disturbing than what we first knew." The former Union Minister, declaring himself an Ayyappa devotee, claimed the sacrilege involved not just missing gold but also the theft of sacred idols and parts of the holy steps.
Deepening Allegations of Temple Loot
Chandrashekhar, in a post on social media platform X on Wednesday, alleged that the looting at the famed hill shrine extended far beyond the initially reported 4.5 kg of gold. He made a grave new accusation, stating, "Investigations now show that under the LDF-appointed Devaswom board, 4 Panchaloha idols were taken out of Sabarimala and sold to international criminal networks."
He presented what he termed the most shocking detail: parts of the sacred Pathinettam Padi (the 18 holy steps), which were replaced during the Congress-led UDF regime in 2015, were allegedly tampered with and looted. Chandrashekhar framed this not as mere theft but as a profound betrayal. "This is not just loot. This is sacrilege. This is a betrayal of Swami Ayyappa and millions of bhakts like me across the world," he wrote.
Political Conspiracy and Demand for CBI Probe
The BJP leader insisted on high-level political complicity, arguing that arresting individuals was insufficient. "As I said earlier, arresting a Unnikrishnan Potty or a Vasu is not enough. This is a larger political conspiracy initiated under the Congress-UDF and perfected under the CPM-LDF," he claimed. He directly criticized Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, alleging an attempted cover-up by dismissing the crime as a 'slip-up.'
Chandrashekhar demanded a more robust central investigation, asserting, "A SIT cannot uncover the truth; only a CBI probe can." He vowed to ensure justice for Ayyappa devotees worldwide.
Political Repercussions and Temple Controversy Background
The controversy has sent strong political shockwaves across Kerala. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has previously stated that the ruling CPI(M) would not protect anyone found guilty, emphasizing, "Whoever is guilty, the party will not protect them." The probe has already ensnared individuals with political links, including CPM district committee member A. Padmakumar.
Regarding party discipline, CPM Pathanamthitta District Secretary Raju Abraham indicated that the state committee would guide the action against Padmakumar, with any formal disciplinary steps awaiting the final investigation report. CPM State Secretary M.V. Govindan promised "stern disciplinary action" once a decision is made.
The Sabarimala gold controversy originated from alleged irregularities in the gold plating of the temple's sanctum sanctorum. It relates to a 1998 donation of 30.3 kilograms of gold and 1,900 kilograms of copper made by industrialist Vijay Mallya for cladding work. The current investigation is being conducted under the direct supervision of the Kerala High Court, with the Chief Minister refraining from detailed comment citing the judicial oversight.
