Sabarimala Gold Scandal: BJP Demands Devaswom Board Dissolution Amid Theft Outrage

A wave of shock and outrage has swept across Kerala following the distressing news of a gold theft from the sacred Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple. This latest incident, involving the alleged disappearance of 15 grams of gold, has reignited long-standing concerns about the management of the revered pilgrimage site.

In a swift and decisive reaction, the Kerala unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has vociferously called upon Governor Arif Mohammed Khan to intervene immediately and dissolve the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which is responsible for the administration of Sabarimala and other temples.

The theft came to light with the arrest of a 55-year-old woman identified as Pankajavalli, an employee of the Devaswom Board.

She was reportedly apprehended at the Pampa base camp while attempting to leave the temple premises with the stolen gold. This incident has not only highlighted lapses in security but also fueled accusations of deeper systemic issues within the TDB. BJP leaders have wasted no time in condemning the board, asserting that this theft is merely the latest symptom of chronic mismanagement, corruption, and a severe neglect of temple affairs.

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Surendran, the President of the Kerala BJP, led the charge, accusing the TDB of gross incompetence. He emphasized that the board, under its current leadership, has consistently failed to safeguard the sanctity and assets of the temples under its purview. Surendran pointed to a history of similar incidents and allegations, suggesting a pattern of disregard for devotees' faith and trust.

He stressed that the Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple, being one of the most significant pilgrimage centers in the world, demands an administration that is beyond reproach.

The BJP's demand extends beyond just addressing this specific theft. They argue that the TDB has become a hotbed of corruption and that its current structure and functioning are detrimental to the welfare of the temples and the Hindu community.

The party insists that the board's dissolution is the only viable path to restore faith, implement transparent governance, and ensure the proper protection of temple properties and traditions. They have urged Governor Khan to exercise his constitutional powers to take decisive action against what they describe as a corrupt and inefficient body.

This renewed push for the dissolution of the TDB is set against a backdrop of previous controversies and legal battles surrounding temple administration in Kerala.

The BJP's stance reflects a broader sentiment among certain sections of the Hindu community who believe that temple affairs should be managed with greater accountability and spiritual integrity. The ball is now in the Governor's court, as pressure mounts for a thorough investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft and a comprehensive review of the Travancore Devaswom Board's overall functioning and future.