Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Wednesday, 24 December, stated that the controversy surrounding Sabarimala is far more serious than the earlier reports about the loss of 4.5 kilograms of gold.

According to him, the matter involves deeper violations connected to the temple’s sacred assets and traditions. In a post shared on X, Chandrasekhar alleged that four Panchaloha idols were removed from the Sabarimala temple and sold to international criminal networks, indicating that the scale of the wrongdoing was much larger than initially believed.

Expressing his personal anguish, Chandrasekhar said the latest revelations had caused him deep emotional pain. Writing on X, he said, “As an Ayyappa bhakt, the pain and hurt I felt earlier has now deepened even further,” underlining that the issue was not merely administrative or legal but deeply spiritual for millions of devotees. He emphasised that what has emerged now shows a serious breach of faith and trust.

Chandrasekhar explained that earlier discussions focused mainly on the missing 4.5 kilograms of gold. However, fresh investigations, he claimed, have revealed that during the tenure of the LDF-appointed Devaswom Board, four Panchaloha idols were taken out of Sabarimala and sold through international criminal networks. He further alleged that parts of the sacred Pathinettam Padi were also tampered with and taken away. These parts were reportedly replaced during the UDF government in 2015, raising questions about how and when the original components went missing.

According to Chandrasekhar, the issue cannot be reduced to the actions of a few individuals. He said the matter clearly points to political involvement and reflects a much larger conspiracy. He argued that arresting individuals such as Unnikrishnan Potty or Vasu alone would not address the real problem. Chandrasekhar claimed that the roots of the issue lie in the Congress-led UDF government and that it continued under the CPM-led LDF government, suggesting continuity rather than isolated incidents.

Describing the developments as far more than ordinary theft, Chandrasekhar said the acts amounted to a grave insult to Swami Ayyappa and a betrayal of the faith of devotees across the world. He stressed that a Special Investigation Team would not be sufficient to uncover the full truth. Calling for a more credible and independent investigation, he demanded that the case be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation so that all aspects of the matter could be examined without political pressure.

Chandrasekhar also criticised the Kerala state government, accusing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of trying to downplay the seriousness of the issue in the past by describing it as a mere slip-up. He insisted that justice must be delivered to Ayyappa devotees and warned that the matter cannot be brushed aside or covered up.

The controversy has already sparked strong political reactions across Kerala. Earlier, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that the Communist Party of India (Marxist) would not shield anyone found guilty. He said that action would be taken against whoever is responsible as the investigation progresses, signalling that no one would be protected if wrongdoing is established.

The Sabarimala gold controversy centres on irregularities in the gold plating work carried out at the temple. The issue traces back to a donation made in 1998 by industrialist Vijay Mallya, who donated 30.3 kilograms of gold and approximately 1,900 kilograms of copper. These materials were meant for gold cladding of the sanctum sanctorum and the wooden carvings at the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, making their alleged misuse a matter of serious concern.

Following the arrest of CPM district committee member A. Padmakumar in connection with the case, CPM Pathanamthitta District Secretary Raju Abraham said that the district unit was awaiting directions from the CPM State Committee. He clarified that the matter was not discussed in the last committee meeting and that any disciplinary action would be considered only after the final investigation report is submitted.

CPM State Secretary M.V. Govindan also echoed this position, stating that once the party leadership takes a decision, the Pathanamthitta district committee will implement strict disciplinary measures. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said it would not be appropriate for him to comment in detail on the issue at this stage, noting that the investigation is being conducted under the direct supervision of the High Court.