Sabarimala Gold-Plating Row Disrupts Kerala Assembly, Sparks Chaos and Suspensions

The Kerala Assembly descended into chaos on Thursday as the Congress-led Opposition escalated its protest over alleged irregularities in the gold-plating of the 'Dwarapalaka' (guardian deity) idols at the Lord Ayyappa shrine in Sabarimala. The controversy, which has been brewing since earlier in the week, led to repeated disruptions, heated exchanges, and the suspension of three opposition MLAs.

The core of the dispute lies in claims that the gold-plated coverings on the temple’s ‘Dwarapalaka’ idols are now lighter than before, raising suspicions that a fresh round of gold-plating was carried out without informing the Kerala High Court. The issue surfaced during court proceedings, prompting opposition leaders to demand accountability from the Travancore Devaswom Board and the ruling government.

Tensions reached a boiling point in the Assembly when opposition MLAs clashed with watch-and-ward staff, leading to injuries. The Assembly's chief marshal was hospitalised after the altercation. In response, Speaker A.N. Shamseer briefly adjourned the session before the Opposition staged a walkout.

Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan defended the MLAs’ actions and criticised attempts to portray the chief marshal as a victim, saying, “This is not the same person who had issued a fake injury certificate in the past.” He also accused the Speaker of partisanship, stating, “You allow ministers to speak freely, but interrupt me constantly.”

The Opposition has demanded the resignation of Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan and the dissolution of the Travancore Devaswom Board, alleging the original idol coverings may have been sold off. UDF MLAs displayed banners reading “gold turned into copper” near the Speaker’s podium while shouting slogans against the government.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister M.B. Rajesh hit back, accusing Satheesan of justifying violence and defended Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who had earlier made controversial remarks mocking an Opposition MLA’s height during the disruptions.

Following Thursday’s mayhem, UDF MLAs Roji M John, M Vincent, and Saneesh Kumar Joseph were suspended for the remainder of the session for repeated violations of Assembly rules. The motion, moved by Rajesh, passed in the absence of the Opposition, who had already boycotted the proceedings over the Sabarimala issue.