The United Democratic Front (UDF) Opposition in Kerala is making it clear: they will not back down until Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan steps down from his position. Their resolve comes amidst serious allegations of gold misappropriation at the famous Sabarimala temple, claims that have now gained significant weight from findings by the Kerala High Court.
Speaking to reporters following a tumultuous Legislative Assembly session on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, which saw disruptions due to persistent UDF protests, Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan launched a scathing attack. He accused the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) of actively conspiring with a sponsor, Unnikrishnan Potti, to defraud millions of devotees.
“Shocking revelations have emerged,” stated Mr. Satheesan. “It turns out that a copper idol was sent to Chennai for restoration work, falsely presented as the original Dwarapalaka idol. Meanwhile, the actual gold-plated idol was reportedly sold off for a huge sum to an undisclosed buyer. The State government must immediately disclose the identity of this wealthy individual who acquired the valuable artifact.”
Satheesan didn’t mince words, declaring, “This is unequivocally a case of theft and illicit sale, involving crores of rupees. The Devaswom Board was fully aware of this egregious act but deliberately chose to keep it under wraps, suggesting that powerful figures within the board and the government itself are implicated in this operation.”
He vowed that the UDF’s protests, demanding Minister Vasavan’s immediate resignation, would not be confined to the Assembly chambers but would extend across the state in the coming days.