Thiruvananthapuram: In a swift and unexpected move, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPM] has reportedly decided against extending the term of the current Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) governing body, a decision widely seen as a direct consequence of the escalating Sabarimala gold misappropriation controversy.
The term of the current body, led by President P.S. Prasanth and members P.D. Santhosh Kumar and A. Ajith Kumar, had recently expired. Despite initial plans to issue an ordinance for an extension, particularly with the vital Sabarimala pilgrimage season approaching, the CPM’s available secretariat has suddenly reversed course, opting instead for a new committee.
New Leadership to Take Charge
The final decision is expected at the routine state secretariat meeting scheduled for tomorrow. Former Haripad MLA T.K. Devakumar is slated to take over as the new TDB President. Vilappil Radhakrishnan will be the representative from the CPI.
Gold Controversy Looms Large
The sudden non-renewal has fuelled speculation that the CPM is distancing itself from the current leadership amidst fears that the investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft case could implicate Prasanth.
The core of the controversy surrounds the highly irregular decision in September 2025 to send the gold-plated panels of the Dwarapalaka sculptures to Chennai for repair. Critics point out that this was done without heeding the Devaswom Manual and relevant High Court orders. This move, along with subsequent court interventions and discussions, brought to light the details of the alleged gold misappropriation at the hill shrine.
The appointment of the new board is now viewed as an attempt by the CPM to manage the fallout from the temple scandal and ensure a new, less controversial administration is in place ahead of the crucial pilgrimage season.
