Current TDB Complicit in Sabarimala Gold Scandal: LoP Satheesan
Leader of the Opposition (LoP) V.D. Satheesan has ignited fresh controversy by alleging the current Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) administration’s role in the disappearance of gold offerings from Kerala’s Sabarimala temple. The Congress leader’s accusations have intensified demands for accountability in the multi-crore scandal.
Sabarimala Gold Loss: Key Allegations
The famed hill shrine, which receives gold offerings (thankattu) worth crores annually, faced audit discrepancies since 2017. Satheesan claimed:
– The Left-controlled TDB failed to secure treasures despite warnings.
– Systemic negligence or malpractice led to unaccounted losses over years.
– “This isn’t just oversight—it’s institutional failure,” he stated, demanding a CBI or judicial probe.
TDB’s Defense & Political Fallout
TDB president P.S. Prasanth (LDF) dismissed the charges as “baseless,” asserting:
– Gold inventory gaps predate the current board.
– Reforms are underway to digitize records.
Meanwhile, BJP’s K. Surendran accused both LDF and UDF of mismanagement, urging central intervention.
Audit Gaps & Public Anger
A 2021 audit reportedly flagged missing gold, but no action followed. Devotees and activists demand:
– CAG audit for transparency.
– Modern tracking systems to replace manual logs.
Hashtags like #SaveSabarimalaGold trend as faith in the board erodes.
What Next?
With elections nearing, the gold scandal could shape Kerala’s political narrative. Options on the table:
1. Judicial probe (opposition’s demand).
2. CBI investigation (BJP’s pitch).
3. Internal review (TDB’s current stance).
Also Read: Sabarimala Temple Wealth: A Timeline of Controversies
