Opposition disrupts Kerala Assembly for second day over Sabarimala gold ‘theft’ allegations

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) Opposition disrupted proceedings in the Kerala Legislative Assembly for the second consecutive day on Tuesday (October 7, 2025) over the alleged gold theft at the Sabarimala temple.

Mirroring the chaos witnessed on Monday, the Opposition began shouting slogans and raising placards as soon as the Question Hour commenced. Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan reiterated the UDF’s demand for the resignation of Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan over the controversy.

Ministers slam Opposition

However, the demand was countered by both Law Minister P. Rajeeve and Parliamentary Affairs Minister M.B. Rajesh who asserted the State government’s willingness to discuss the issue.

They also pointed to the Kerala High Court directive to constitute a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the allegations, and accused the Opposition of “losing faith” in the judiciary.

Despite the protests, Speaker A.N. Shamseer proceeded with the Question Hour, prompting Opposition legislators to storm the well of the House.

The Speaker was subsequently forced to suspend the session after about 20 minutes and adjourn the House temporarily.

Although the session resumed at 10 a.m. after the cancelled Question Hour, the Opposition continued its protests in the well of the House. Shortly afterwards, the Speaker decided to quickly wind up the day’s sitting.

Bills passed amid uproar

Amid the uproar, the Kerala General Sales Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2024; the Kerala Societies Registration Bill, 2025; the Kerala Coir Workers’ Welfare Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Kerala Appropriation (No.3) Bill, 2025; and the Kerala Coir Workers’ Welfare Cess (Amendment) Bill, 2025 were passed by the Assembly.

Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal and Mr. Rajeeve slammed the Opposition for persisting with its protests while ignoring the fact that the Kerala High Court had ordered a high-level probe into the Sabarimala gold row.

Mr. Shamseer requested Mr. Satheesan and Deputy Leader of the Opposition P.K. Kunhalikutty to ensure that the Opposition refrains from disrupting the session on Wednesday (October 8, 2025) as several important Bills are scheduled for consideration in the Assembly.

The day’s sitting was wound up by 11.15 a.m. and Mr. Shamseer announced that the House would reconvene at 9 a.m. on Wednesday.