Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Assembly witnessed chaotic scenes on Tuesday as the Opposition staged strong protests over the alleged loss of gold at the Sabarimala temple, disrupting proceedings and forcing repeated adjournments.
The controversy erupted after reports surfaced about a discrepancy in the quantity of gold linked to Sabarimala, one of the most revered pilgrimage centres in the country. Opposition members alleged serious lapses in management and accountability, accusing the Travancore Devaswom Board and the state government of failing to safeguard temple assets.
As the issue was taken up during Question Hour, Opposition MLAs rushed to the Well of the House, raising slogans and demanding a judicial probe into the matter. They alleged that the government was attempting to downplay the issue and sought a detailed statement from the Chief Minister.
Treasury bench members countered the allegations, stating that there was no deliberate loss and that the matter was being examined as per established procedures. The government maintained that proper audits were in place and assured the House that any irregularities, if found, would be dealt with strictly.
Speaker A N Shamseer appealed to members to maintain decorum, but the protests continued, leading to the suspension of proceedings for a brief period. Even after the House reassembled, tempers flared as Opposition members insisted on a discussion under a special motion.
The ruckus comes amid heightened political sensitivity surrounding Sabarimala-related issues, with parties trading charges over transparency, faith, and governance. The issue is expected to continue to dominate Assembly proceedings in the coming days.
