Opposition boycotts House after Speaker denies adjournment motion to discuss Sabarimala gold-plate issue

Thiruvananthapuram: The Opposition walked out of the Kerala Assembly on Friday after their move to present an adjournment motion regarding the alleged shortfall in the weight of the gold-plated panels at Sabarimala was rejected by the Speaker. The opposition protested strongly against the Speaker’s decision and boycotted the rest of the session.

The opposition had been planning to use the discussion to target the state government and the Travancore Devaswom Board, following severe criticism from the High Court over the handling of the Sabarimala issue. They alleged serious lapses, especially removal of the gold-plated panels without the court’s permission, which they described as a grave violation.

The opposition had intended to highlight High Court orders and raise questions about the government’s accountability. They were also expected to bring up the Ayyappa Sangam event, organised by the government, which they earlier accused of being politically motivated ahead of the upcoming elections. 

The opposition had been seeking permission for three consecutive days to raise the matter over the Sabarimala row.