Satheesan demands Minister Vasavan’s resignation, cites Kerala High Court observations on Sabarimala gold allegations

Signalling that the United Democratic Front (UDF) Opposition would not relent unless Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan resigned over the Sabarimala gold ‘theft’ allegations, Kerala’s Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan has said the High Court’s “observations” have underlined the allegations raised by the UDF.

Speaking to presspersons after the Legislative Assembly session on Tuesday (October 7, 2025) was cut short due to sustained UDF protests, Mr. Satheesan alleged that the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) had colluded with sponsor Unnikrishnan Potti to deceive lakhs of devotees.

“It has now been revealed that the Dwarapalaka idol which reached Chennai for restoration works was another one made of copper, while the real gold-plated one was sold at a high rate to someone. The State government should tell us which rich person did they sell this gold-plated idol to. This is clearly a theft and sale in which crores of rupees is involved. The Devaswom Board was very much aware of this theft, but it chose to hush up the whole incident as many big guns in the board and the government are part of the operation,” alleged Mr. Satheesan.

He said the protests demanding Mr. Vasavan’s resignation would continue outside the House too in the coming days.