Fri Jan 09 15:26:48 UTC 2026: # Sabarimala Temple Investigation Sparks Political Controversy in Kerala

The Story:
The arrest of senior Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru in connection with the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple case has triggered a political storm in Kerala. The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Sunny Joseph MLA expressed dissatisfaction with the Special Investigation Team (SIT), questioning why the investigation hasn’t extended to higher-ups, including former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kummanam Rajasekharan echoed these concerns, questioning the efficacy of the SIT investigation and whether it addressed the core issues. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) defended its government, claiming its hands are clean and accusing the opposition of spreading falsehoods.

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala countered the LDF’s claims by pointing out the imprisonment of three CPI(M) leaders and asserted that no one is above the law regarding the Tantri’s arrest. The controversy centers around the extent of the investigation, the potential involvement of high-ranking officials, and the political implications for both the ruling and opposition parties.

Key Points:

  • January 9, 2026: KPCC president Sunny Joseph MLA criticizes the SIT investigation into the Sabarimala temple case.
  • Senior Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru has been arrested.
  • The opposition questions why former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran has not been more thoroughly investigated.
  • BJP leader Kummanam Rajasekharan expresses doubts about the effectiveness of the SIT investigation.
  • LDF convener T.P. Ramakrishnan maintains the government’s innocence, while Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala challenges this claim.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Sabarimala temple case remains a politically sensitive issue in Kerala.
  • The opposition parties are attempting to leverage the investigation to target the ruling LDF.
  • Concerns about the fairness and scope of the investigation are being raised by both the Congress and BJP.
  • The case underscores the ongoing tensions between political parties and religious institutions in Kerala.

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