Thiruvananthapuram: The ongoing controversy surrounding the missing gold from the Sabarimala temple has thrust the political background of Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) President P.S. Prasanth back into the public eye. Questions are mounting over Prasanth’s swift political transition—from a Congress candidate in the 2021 Assembly elections to a ‘favourite’ of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his subsequent elevation to the top post of the Devaswom Board.
Prasanth contested the 2021 Assembly elections from the Nedumangad constituency as the United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate. A protégé of veteran Congress leader Thampanoor Ravi, he entered the fray with Ravi’s full backing. However, he suffered a significant defeat, losing by a margin of 23,309 votes.
Following his electoral loss, Prasanth sought the position of Thiruvananthapuram District Congress Committee (DCC) President. When the party leadership reportedly ignored this demand, he resigned from the Congress in protest.
Soon after, Prasanth grew close to the ruling establishment, following in the footsteps of former Congress leaders like K.P. Anil Kumar and Rathikumar by switching allegiance to the CPM. This move culminated in his appointment by the state government as the Travancore Devaswom Board President. The speed of his political ascent and high-profile appointment—coming shortly after his party defection—has fueled public speculation. Many are now questioning if his assignment to such a powerful position is part of a “Communist mission” to boost the financial power of party affiliates.
Adding to the debate are details from his 2021 election affidavit, which stated his total assets to be 29.63 lakh rupees. His movable and immovable assets at the time included a Hero Honda Activa scooter and one sovereign of gold. In the wake of the current Sabarimala gold controversy, Prasanth’s rapid political growth and his controversial appointment continue to be a hot topic across social media platforms.
