A major political controversy has erupted in Kerala after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged that state Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan has links to individuals involved in the Sabarimala temple gold theft case. The BJP’s charge adds a political dimension to what has already become one of the most serious temple-related corruption cases in recent years.
The case revolves around the alleged misappropriation of gold used for plating the sanctum doors and ornaments at the Sabarimala temple — one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in South India. The key accused, contractor Unnikrishnan Potty, was entrusted with the responsibility of gold-plating the doors but allegedly diverted a portion of the 4.5 kilograms of gold meant for the temple’s work. Investigators suspect that a portion of the stolen gold was melted and sold through private jewellers, leading to a financial loss to the Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the temple.
Speaking to India Today, Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar made explosive allegations, claiming that the BJP had obtained information from government sources linking Minister Vasavan to “the ecosystem responsible for looting gold from Sabarimala.” He stated that while the party was not declaring Vasavan guilty without investigation, the seriousness of the case warranted his immediate resignation. “We are not prejudging his guilt, but Minister Vasavan should step aside to ensure transparency and accountability,” Chandrasekhar said.
The BJP leader also demanded the immediate dissolution of the Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages temple affairs, arguing that its officials were allegedly complicit in the scandal. The party called for a probe by a central agency such as the CBI or ED to ensure impartiality, stating that a state-led investigation could be influenced by political interference.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) currently probing the case has already made significant recoveries and arrests. Around 400 grams of the stolen gold were traced to a jeweller in Ballari, Karnataka, suggesting the involvement of an inter-state network. The SIT has also arrested the main accused, Unnikrishnan Potty, and former Travancore Devaswom Board officer B Murari Babu. Investigators allege that the duo submitted false proposals, misrepresenting gold plates as copper to siphon off the precious metal.
The SIT’s preliminary report has added to the controversy by pointing to the possible involvement of temple officials in the misappropriation scheme. This revelation has raised serious questions about internal oversight and the integrity of temple management systems.
The allegations against Minister Vasavan have provided the BJP with fresh ammunition against the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Party leaders have accused the LDF of shielding corrupt elements and mismanaging temple affairs for political gain. “The Sabarimala gold theft is not just a financial crime; it is a betrayal of devotees’ faith,” said Chandrasekhar, reiterating his demand for Vasavan’s resignation and a court-monitored probe.
Meanwhile, the Kerala government has not issued an official response to the BJP’s accusations. Minister Vasavan has also remained tight-lipped so far, though his associates have dismissed the claims as politically motivated. Sources close to the Devaswom Department say the government is awaiting further updates from the SIT before taking any administrative action.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for Kerala’s temple administration, already under public scrutiny for issues related to transparency and trust. The Sabarimala temple, which attracts millions of devotees annually, holds immense cultural and religious significance. Any scandal involving its assets is bound to have deep political and social repercussions.
As the investigation continues, political observers note that the BJP is likely to keep up pressure on the state government in the coming weeks. The party sees the issue as an opportunity to position itself as a defender of temple integrity and religious accountability in a state where temple governance has often intersected with politics. Whether Minister Vasavan can weather the growing storm will depend on the findings of the SIT and how the LDF government manages the rapidly escalating controversy.
