Stepping up their protest against the alleged gold theft at Sabarimala temple, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) plans to illuminate the ‘Sabarimala Protection Jyoti’ at over 10,000 centers across Kerala on Wednesday evening, coinciding with Makara Sankranti and Makara Jyoti day. The statewide initiative, named ‘Ayyappa Jyoti at homes and in localities,’ is scheduled for 6 pm, expecting the participation of numerous BJP workers and supporters. Lamps will be lit at BJP offices, temples, public spaces, and private homes, aiming to draw attention to what the party perceives as a significant security breach at the hill shrine.
Announced by BJP state general secretary S. Suresh, the protest seeks a comprehensive and unbiased investigation into the alleged gold theft at Sabarimala to ensure accountability for all involved. The symbolic lighting of lamps on Makara Jyoti day is intended to highlight the gravity of the issue and emphasize the emotional and spiritual importance of Sabarimala for devotees. Notable figures from various societal segments are anticipated to join the Ayyappa Jyoti, providing wider social backing to the protest, as per BJP statements.
The BJP continues to push for a CBI inquiry into the incident, expressing doubts about the effectiveness of the ongoing investigation in gaining public trust. Accusing the ruling CPI(M) and Congress of collaboration, Suresh labeled the alleged Sabarimala gold theft as a manifestation of what he termed CPI(M)-Congress collusion. He further alleged that political intervention has compromised the temple’s governance accountability mechanisms. Amid escalating political tensions in the state, Sabarimala has reemerged as a significant point of contention.
By selecting a culturally and religiously significant day for their demonstration, the BJP seems intent on keeping the Sabarimala issue central to Kerala’s political discourse leading up to the Assembly election in April/May.
