K. Muraleedharan slams Centre and State over Sabarimala gold theft, launches march from Kanhangad 

In the wake of the Sabarimala gold theft controversy, senior Congress leader K. Muraleedharan on Tuesday lashed out at both the Central and State government, alleging political manipulation behind the issue. He said the incident had caused deeper anguish among the faithful with regard to the issue of the entry of women.

Speaking to the media in Kasaragod, Mr. Muraleedharan said the Congress stood firmly with the faithful.

“The Union government, which arrests an opposition Chief Minister, is taking a different approach towards Pinarayi Vijayan,” he alleged, adding that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had become a tool of the Centre to influence the Kerala Chief Minister.

“Pinarayi Vijayan has come under the influence of the ED, which is why he attacks the Congress and Rahul Gandhi more aggressively than the BJP,” he said.

Mr. Muraleedharan also clarified that O.J. Janeesh’s appointment as Youth Congress president was based on a collective decision, denying reports of factionalism within party.

Meanwhile, the Congress leader flagged off a Viswasa Samrakshana Yatra from Kanhangad on Tuesday. Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan inaugurated the March, which aims to highlight alleged irregularities and the government’s role in the Sabarimala gold theft case.

“The Devaswom Minister and the Devaswom Board, who are shielding the culprits, must be removed,” Mr. Muraleedharan said, adding that the yatra seeks to expose what he called the ‘hypocritical face’ of the Left government.

The March is being led by T. Siddique, MLA, as deputy leader, with Rajmohan Unnithan, MP, and KPCC general secretaries P.M. Niyas and Soni Sebastian among its coordinators.

Three regional marches also began on October 14, while another will begin from Muvattupuzha on October 15. All four will converge at Chengannur on October 17, followed by a United Democratic Front (UDF) led rally from Karakkan to Pandalam on October 18.

The concluding conference will see participation from senior Congress and UDF leaders, who will take a collective pledge to safeguard temple traditions.

The Congress has accused the Left government of attempting to subvert Sabarimala’s customs through the gold theft incident.