Sun Feb 22 10:39:27 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Congress Alleges Political Conspiracy in Sabarimala Tantri’s Arrest, Accuses CMO of Wrongful Incarceration

The Story:
The Congress party in Kerala has accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan‘s office (CMO) of orchestrating the arrest and imprisonment of Sabarimala Tantri (Chief Priest) Kandararu Rajeevaru in connection with the Ayyappa temple gold theft case. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala alleges that the CMO scapegoated the Tantri to shield former and present Devaswom Ministers, as well as the former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president, P S Prasanth, from prosecution. The accusations are based on the court’s decision to grant bail to the Tantri, citing a lack of evidence linking him to the alleged irregularities.

Key Points:

  • Congress alleges the CMO scapegoated the Sabarimala Tantri in the Ayyappa temple gold theft case.
  • Ramesh Chennithala cites the court’s bail order, which stated a lack of evidence against the Tantri.
  • The court reportedly observed that the Tantri had no role in the temple’s property maintenance.
  • Congress claims the SIT was politically pressured by the CMO to arrest the Tantri.
  • The Tantri argued he was targeted for opposing the entry of menstruating women into the temple, following the 2019 Supreme Court ruling.
  • Law Minister Rajeeve questioned the trial court’s authority to opine on the case’s merits.
  • Excise Minister M B Rajesh criticized Congress for ignoring BJP leader Sreedharan Pillai‘s alleged encouragement of the Tantri’s actions.

Critical Analysis:
The events are happening in the context of the long-standing Sabarimala temple entry controversy, which has pitted traditional religious beliefs against court orders and political ideologies. The Congress party is leveraging the court’s bail order to attack the ruling CPI(M) government, accusing them of political vendetta against the Tantri for his stance on the women’s entry issue. The CPI(M) is attempting to deflect the criticism by highlighting the BJP’s alleged involvement in encouraging the Tantri’s actions, framing the issue as a broader political struggle.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Sabarimala temple issue continues to be a politically charged topic in Kerala.
  • Opposition parties are using the Ayyappa temple gold theft case to target the ruling government.
  • The court’s observations on the Tantri’s bail plea are being used as ammunition for political attacks.
  • The incident highlights the complex interplay between religious tradition, court rulings, and political maneuvering.
  • The case could reignite the debate surrounding the entry of women into Sabarimala temple.

Impact Analysis:
The allegations and counter-allegations surrounding the Sabarimala Tantri’s arrest could have significant long-term implications. This incident could further polarize the political landscape in Kerala, especially concerning issues of religious tradition and state intervention. The case may also influence future court decisions related to religious practices and the autonomy of religious institutions. The ongoing legal proceedings and political fallout could impact public sentiment and voting patterns in upcoming elections.

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