Mon Feb 23 04:49:50 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Kerala Assembly Disrupted Over Sabarimala Gold Theft Allegations

The Story:

The Budget session of the Kerala Assembly resumed on Monday, February 23, 2026, amidst uproar from the Opposition Congress-led UDF. The UDF disrupted Question Hour, demanding the resignation of Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan and alleging interference from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s office in the special investigation team (SIT) probe into the Sabarimala gold theft case. The Opposition also criticized the arrest of Sabarimala Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru in connection with the case.

The UDF accused the ruling LDF government of “lapses” that led to the accused securing bail. They further alleged that the Sabarimala Tantri was “needlessly arrested” and criticized the government’s stance on the women entry issue related to the Sabarimala temple. The ruling LDF defended the SIT probe, stating it was being conducted under High Court supervision and that the government was committed to bringing all culprits to justice.

Key Points:

  • The Kerala Assembly Budget session resumed on February 23, 2026, after a break since February 6.
  • The Opposition UDF disrupted Question Hour over the Sabarimala gold theft issue.
  • The UDF demanded the resignation of Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan.
  • The UDF alleged interference from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s office in the SIT probe.
  • The Opposition criticized the arrest of Sabarimala Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru.
  • The UDF accused the LDF government of lapses leading to the accused getting bail.
  • The ruling LDF defended the SIT probe, stating it was under High Court supervision.
  • Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal presented the 2026-27 State Budget on January 29.

Critical Analysis:

The disruption in the Kerala Assembly over the Sabarimala gold theft issue reflects the ongoing political tensions between the ruling LDF and the opposition UDF. The UDF is leveraging the gold theft allegations, the arrest of the Sabarimala Tantri, and the sensitive issue of women’s entry into the Sabarimala temple to put pressure on the government. The timing, during the Budget session, suggests a strategic attempt to undermine the government’s agenda and create political instability. Given the context of upcoming T.N. Assembly polls and the Congress’s negotiation strategy, the UDF’s actions might also be aimed at consolidating their position and gaining political mileage in the region. The fire destroying school buses, though seemingly unrelated, adds to the atmosphere of unrest in Kerala.

Key Takeaways:

  1. The Sabarimala gold theft issue remains a significant point of contention in Kerala politics.
  2. The Opposition is actively using the issue to challenge the credibility and stability of the ruling LDF government.
  3. The arrest of the Sabarimala Tantri has become a focal point for the Opposition’s criticism.
  4. The government is attempting to defend the integrity of the investigation and maintain control over the narrative.
  5. The disruption highlights the deep-seated political polarization within the Kerala Assembly.

Impact Analysis:

The continued disruption of the Assembly session could have several long-term impacts. Firstly, it could delay or derail the passage of important legislation, including the state budget. Secondly, it could erode public trust in the government’s ability to effectively address critical issues. Thirdly, it could further polarize the political landscape in Kerala, making it more difficult to achieve consensus on important policy matters. Finally, the controversy surrounding the Sabar

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