Sabarimala gold theft case: Left Front monitors SIT moves amid election fever

Thiruvananthapuram: The Left Front is closely monitoring the next moves of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in the Sabarimala gold theft case, amid concerns about potential political fallout. Party leaders said the ongoing election campaign has so far proceeded without being affected by the Sabarimala issue, but they are wary that the investigation could trigger backlash if it implicates former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran.

Leaders of the Left Front’s constituent parties expressed the view that it would have been preferable for the party to take action against CPM leader Padmakumar, as the case involves the faith of believers. The party faces a dilemma. Taking action against Padmakumar immediately after he was named accused could be interpreted as endorsing the SIT’s findings, making the CPM politically responsible. At the same time, the party has no precedent for organisational action when FIRs are filed against its leaders. Even when FIRs were registered against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, no formal party action was taken. This approach underpins the party’s hesitancy to act against Padmakumar.

The Left’s election messaging emphasises that neither the government nor the party will protect anyone accused in the Sabarimala case. Yet with two Devaswom Board presidents in jail, the CPM cannot fully avoid political responsibility. When N Vasu was arrested, party leaders publicly distanced themselves from him. In contrast, when CPM district committee member and former MLA A Padmakumar was taken into custody, state secretary MV Govindan and other senior leaders refrained from isolating him.

Leaders of non-CPM parties have expressed concern that this cautious stance could backfire, although there is no evidence so far that the Sabarimala issue is affecting the Left Front’s local campaign. Party sources also believe that the gold theft case is unlikely to generate opposition from Ayyappa devotees. They note that the Global Ayyappa Summit, supported by the government, is expected to mitigate any potential backlash, allowing the Left Front to continue campaigning without major disruption.