Mon Dec 15 14:47:54 UTC 2025: News Article:

Sabarimala Gold Theft Scandal Fuels Political Firestorm in Kerala Ahead of 2026 Elections

Thiruvananthapuram, December 15, 2025 – The Sabarimala gold theft case continues to dominate Kerala’s political landscape, with the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) vowing to keep the issue alive as a key point of attack against the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government leading up to the 2026 Assembly elections.

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has asserted he presented evidence to the Special Investigation Team (SIT), alleging a “global conspiracy” involving international gangs that loot religious artifacts for sale to wealthy collectors. Chennithala claims a non-resident Keralite businessman is willing to provide further information to the SIT regarding the involvement of Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) officials and international rackets.

The UDF MPs raised the issue in Parliament, prompting sharp criticism from CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan, who accused the Opposition of aligning with Hindutva ideologies.

Chennithala alleges the CPI(M) is providing political protection to former Dewaswom Ministers implicated in the theft and that the SIT has failed to recover the stolen artifacts. He further claims the CPI(M) is hesitant to take action against arrested former TDB president A Padmakumar for fear of further revelations.

While the CPI(M) State secretariat initially dismissed concerns that the scandal impacted recent local body polls, CPI State secretary Binoy Viswam conceded the issue may have overshadowed the LDF’s development initiatives following a less-than-stellar performance.

The controversy continues to be a major point of contention, potentially influencing the political climate in Kerala as the 2026 Assembly elections approach.

Summary of the text:

The text is a news report on the ongoing Sabarimala gold theft case and its political ramifications in Kerala, India. The Congress-led UDF is using the scandal as a key point of attack against the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF government, alleging a “global conspiracy.” The CPI(M) initially downplayed the impact of the scandal, but later conceded it may have affected recent local body polls. The controversy is expected to remain a significant political issue leading up to the 2026 Assembly elections.

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