Sabarimala Gold Plating Scandal Plunges Kerala Assembly into Tumult: MLAs Suspended Amidst Fiery Protests

A storm of controversy has engulfed the sacred precincts of Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple, spilling over dramatically into the Kerala Legislative Assembly, leading to unprecedented scenes of chaos and the swift suspension of three opposition MLAs. At the heart of this escalating crisis are explosive allegations of corruption and irregularities surrounding the gold plating of the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) roof, a project that has now ignited a fierce political battle.

The usually staid parliamentary proceedings erupted into pandemonium as United Democratic Front (UDF) members launched a vehement protest, brandishing placards and shouting slogans, demanding an immediate judicial inquiry into the contentious gold plating work.

The opposition accused the state government of complicity in what they termed a massive scam, directly implicating the Devaswom Minister, K Radhakrishnan, and demanding his resignation. Their impassioned cries of “Save Sabarimala” reverberated through the assembly hall, underscoring the deep emotional and religious sensitivities tied to the revered shrine.

The disruption reached its peak when several UDF MLAs rushed to the Speaker's dais, intensifying their protest and making it impossible to conduct legislative business.

Amidst the relentless clamour, Speaker A N Shamseer issued repeated warnings, urging the protesting members to return to their seats and restore order. However, with the opposition unwavering in its agitation, the Speaker was left with no option but to take stringent disciplinary action.

In a swift move, three prominent UDF MLAs – Anwar Sadath, P Balachandran, and A P Anilkumar – were suspended from the Assembly for the remainder of the session.

Their suspension sent shockwaves through the political landscape, further fanning the flames of dissent and prompting the UDF to accuse the government of stifling democratic voices and evading accountability for the alleged malpractices.

Devaswom Minister K Radhakrishnan, however, vehemently refuted the allegations, dismissing them as baseless and politically motivated.

He maintained that all procedures were followed transparently and that the government was committed to upholding the sanctity and integrity of the temple. Despite the minister's assurances, the opposition remains unconvinced, vowing to intensify their agitation both inside and outside the assembly until their demands for a thorough, impartial investigation are met.

This 'gold plating row' not only casts a shadow over the administration of one of Kerala's most significant religious sites but also highlights the escalating tensions between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the UDF.

As the controversy deepens, it remains to be seen how the government will navigate these turbulent waters and address the serious questions raised about transparency and accountability in matters of faith and public trust.