Thiruvananthapuram: Until now, the CPM had kept its distance, repeatedly saying that neither the party nor the government had any connection to the Sabarimala gold theft. The Sabarimala pilgrimage season has begun, and the local body elections are fast approaching. In the midst of this, with district committee member Padmakumar now arrested, the party can no longer continue its usual refrain of denial.

With Vasu’s arrest, the trail of the heist had already reached the top of the Devaswom Board. The party had attempted to avoid giving political weight to Vasu by describing him merely as the former president of the Kulakkada Grama Panchayat and a local leader, and by portraying him simply as a former official when he served as Devaswom Commissioner. This was part of the CPM’s defensive strategy regarding the gold theft case. However, the party cannot employ the same strategy in Padmakumar’s case.

The Opposition had been intensifying its stance, alleging that not only officials and former panchayat presidents but even ministers had a role in the corruption. The CPM will now be compelled to respond. As another blow, the recent High Court remarks in the cashew development corporation corruption case, which hinted at government complicity, came just as Padmakumar was caught in the net.

Padmakumar is only an accused – M V Govindan

A Padmakumar remains only an accused in the gold-plating case until proven guilty, said CPM state secretary M V Govindan. “Why the panic?” he asked.

He said the arrests of Padmakumar and Vasu do not constitute a setback for the party.

“It is for the court to determine guilt. The party will not protect anyone. An arrest alone does not constitute punishment. The government’s stance is evident from the arrest, and the lost gold will be recovered. Everything, including the arrest, will become a topic during the elections,” he added.

His another remark that only honest people are dear to the party is seen as a signal that the party is distancing itself from Padmakumar. Another contradiction emerged when the party newspaper reported—based on references in the remand report—that Vasu had conspired in the theft.

Notably, both arrested officials had held top positions within the Devaswom Board during the period of the Sabarimala women’s entry issue.

Board decisions not taken with Govt’s knowledge: Kadakampally Surendran

Meanwhile, former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran, who also remains under a shadow of doubt, stated that the Devaswom Boards do not take decisions with the government’s knowledge and that all five boards function independently. He also claimed that no file related to the Devaswom Board had reached him during his tenure. The minister has no authority to instruct the board on whether to move or to gold-plate anything, he added.

Looting done using power given by the people: V D Satheesan

Opposition Leader V D Satheesan alleged that the CPM carried out the Sabarimala plunder using power granted by the people. After N Vasu—considered a close confidant of the Chief Minister—Padmakumar too is now in jail. The former Devaswom Minister must be questioned next by the SIT.

He added that the Opposition believes Kadakampally Surendran was also involved in the heist. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan must answer for the looting of Ayyappa’s gold and other valuables.

Ministers will be next: Chennithala

Congress senior leader Ramesh Chennithala said that it will now be the turn of ministers to be arrested. According to him, ministers were the kingpins of the heist. The Devaswom Ministers were the ones who nurtured those involved. If the investigation proceeds in the right direction, three Devaswom Ministers will face the same fate, he said.

Those who ate salt must drink water: Minister V Sivankutty

Minister V Sivankutty said that those who have done wrong in the Sabarimala case will face the consequences. If Padmakumar has any role, he will have to bear it. It is too early to say whether he is guilty, he added.

Political conspiracy clear: K C Venugopal

AICC general secretary K C Venugopal said that with Vasu’s arrest, the higher-level political links and conspiracy were becoming clear, and Padmakumar’s arrest only reaffirmed this. The investigation must also reach those who treat Padmakumar as deity-like figures. Only then will all those behind the plunder be exposed, he said.

More CPM leaders involved: Sunny Joseph

KPCC President Sunny Joseph said that more CPM leaders were involved in the scam and that government influence should not allow the accused to escape. The investigation team was compelled to arrest Padmakumar, even though belatedly. He demanded that the events at Sabarimala from 2019 to 2025 be investigated.

Devaswom Minister must resign: Rajeev Chandrasekhar

BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar alleged that what happened at Sabarimala was CPM-sanctioned plunder and that the Devaswom Minister must resign. Such an incident could not have happened without the knowledge of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Since the Devaswom administration falls under the Concurrent List in federal governance, both state and central agencies should investigate, he said.