Sabarimala controversy: LDF on defensive, but big chance for UDF

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The LDF, which wanted to turn the support of the religious community gained through the global Ayyappa Sangamam into a political advantage, is on the defensive with the Sabarimala gold plating controversy. This is a good opportunity for the UDF, which is trying to return to power after a long ten years. A new political battlefield will open with the BJP also coming forward to stir up the controversy by organising a protest march to the Chief Minister's office on Tuesday. Opposition leader VD Satheesan's tough stance on the Rahul Mamkootathil controversy and the creation of another shield for Rahul had created infighting in the Congress. This put the UDF in reverse gear for a while. What has passed due to the gold-plating scam is the concern that was created by this. The gold plating scam will be the main topic of discussion in the KPCC political affairs committee meeting tomorrow. The UDF will prepare plans to divert the support of the devotee community to them.

LDF in silence

There has been no proper response from the government or the LDF in the Sabarimala controversy. The Devaswom Vigilance is investigating the fraud. The government is not interested in a CBI investigation as demanded by the opposition. The gold-plated doors and the Dwarapalaka sculpture were all changed to copper in 2019, during the first Pinarayi government. CPM representatives have continuously held the post of Travancore Devaswom Board President. Therefore, the LDF cannot escape responsibility. It is not certain which route the investigation will take. The handing over of Rs 3 crore to the Event Management Group for the Ayyappa Sangamam has also become controversial. The court was told that the Devaswom Board and the government's money would not be spent on the Ayyappa Sangamam.

BJP to take the field

The BJP sees this issue as an opportunity to overcome the weakness they are facing with the SNDP Yogam and the NSS showing support for the Left government. BJP was angry that the NSS supported the Ayyappa Sangamam, despite its full support for the Namajapa procession in the women's entry controversy. The BJP party will devise strategies to attract the believing community by fueling the new controversy.