THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The BJP on Wednesday announced a two-day protest in front of the secretariat on October 24 and 25, demanding the resignation of Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan and the dissolution of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB).
“Even the High Court pointed out that there appears to be a larger conspiracy and directed the constitution of a special investigation team (SIT). We have been saying this from the very beginning,” BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said, referring to the Sabarimala gold theft.
He said the party had already written to Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding a probe by central agencies. The BJP also shared a letter dated October 14, written by Chandrasekhar to Shah, seeking a central investigation into TDB and temple transactions over the past 30 years. The letter further requested a comprehensive audit of all devaswom boards by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.
Chandrasekhar said the BJP delegation, during its meeting with President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday, raised the Sabarimala issue.
“We discussed the loot that happened in Sabarimala. The President was shocked and said if temples are not safe, how can a common man’s home or livelihood be safe?” he said.
The BJP leader said the CPM is spreading false narratives to divert attention from the Sabarimala issue.
“But the BJP will not allow such diversionary tactics,” he said.
BJP state general secretary S Suresh said more than 20,000 party workers are expected to take part in the protest.
Responding to Congress general secretary K C Venugopal’s allegation that the state government’s decision to join the PM SHRI scheme was part of a BJP-CPM deal, Chandrasekhar said, “These are diversionary tactics. The Congress is acting like a circus full of clowns. PM SHRI is implemented even in Congress-ruled states. The claim that Congress and CPM oppose each other is a joke -- they are allies in Tamil Nadu and several other states.”
Chandrasekhar said the party is moving forward with its vision of a developed Kerala with better education and healthcare.
“Education Minister V Sivankutty admitted that 70% of schools in the state are unsafe. What has this government done in the last 10 years? I am ready for an open debate with the chief minister on education, health, and other issues. Not only Sabarimala, even Guruvayur has reported cases of loot,” he said.
On the Lokpal’s tender to procure seven BMWs, Chandrasekhar remarked, “The finance minister of India uses a Maruti Dzire. When I was a Union minister, the government provided me with a small car. There is no justification for the Lokpal to drive around in BMWs or imported vehicles.”
On the agenda
The protest to be held in front of the secretariat
Demands dissolution of Travancore Devaswom Board
BJP state president said the party had already written to the home minister, demanding an investigation by central agencies