Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Legislative Assembly was thrown into turmoil for the second consecutive day as the opposition demanded the resignation of Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan over the alleged gold plating scam at Sabarimala. Protesting members stormed the well of the House with banners and placards, bringing the proceedings to a halt during Question Hour.
Leading the charge, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan accused the Travancore Devaswom Board of deceiving millions of devotees. “The High Court itself has found that the gold-covered Dwarapalaka sculptures were sold at an inflated price. This is a betrayal of faith,” Satheesan declared on the floor of the House. He demanded the immediate resignation of Minister Vasavan and the dismissal of the entire Devaswom Board.
The government retaliated sharply, with ministers accusing the opposition of disrespecting the judiciary. “The opposition seems to have lost faith in the High Court,” stated Law Minister P. Rajeev, adding that the government welcomes any investigation into the matter. Parliamentary Affairs Minister M.B. Rajesh further taunted the opposition, saying, “They are afraid of the courts and the people. It was just yesterday that the Supreme Court warned a Congress member not to come to court with political games.” The escalating protests and sloganeering eventually forced the Speaker to adjourn the session.
