Kerala BJP MLAs have urged Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan to initiate a CBI investigation into the alleged Sabarimala gold scam. The MLAs also requested the withdrawal of all cases against devotees involved in the Sabarimala agitation. BJP MLA V. Muraleedharan criticized the delay in ordering the CBI probe, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged conspiracy behind the scam.
The BJP leaders highlighted the involvement of former Devaswom Board presidents and senior officials in the case, urging a deeper probe. They also called for an investigation into the allegations against two former Devaswom Ministers. Muraleedharan stressed the importance of examining the links of the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, with various individuals, including Congress leader Sonia Gandhi.
In a joint letter submitted by BJP MLAs Rajeev Chandrasekhar, V. Muraleedharan, and B.B. Gopakumar, the demand for a CBI probe was reiterated. The MLAs also appealed for the withdrawal of cases against devotees who participated in the protests against the entry of women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala temple. They raised concerns over the large number of cases filed against Ayyappa devotees and criticized the government’s selective approach in withdrawing cases.
According to the letter, over 29,000 individuals have been accused in connection with the protests, with thousands of cases registered across Kerala. While the government is considering withdrawing some cases, the BJP MLAs argued that the distinction between serious and non-serious cases was politically motivated. The letter emphasized that the devotees had protested to safeguard traditions but were burdened with false cases.
The BJP leaders cautioned that failure to withdraw all cases unconditionally would lead people to question the sincerity of the Congress’ promises regarding the Sabarimala issue.
