The UDF-organized ‘March for the Protection of Faith’ ended in Pandalam on Saturday. | Photo credit: LEJU KAMAL
Despite the absence of several dissident leaders, a ‘faith march’ organized by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) against the alleged Sabarimala gold theft was concluded in Pandalam on Saturday, serving as a show of unity within the United Democratic Front (UDF).
Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan began his valedictory session with a scathing attack on the state government over the alleged theft of gold from the Dwarapalaka idols and door frames of the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple.
He alleged that there was collusion between Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) members, officials and Unnikrishnan Potti behind the scam. “Despite being fully aware of Mr. Potti’s interventions, TDB president PS Prasanth and Devaswom minister re-instructed him for the goldsmith’s work,” he said.
He also accused TDB officials of trying to embezzle the famous Ezharaponnan statue at the Ettumanur Mahadeva Temple. On the occasion, Mr. Satheesan also reiterated his demand for the withdrawal of cases against devotees who staged Namajapa protests during the 2018 Sabarimala women’s entry demonstrations.
Apart from a number of Congress leaders, KPCC president Sunny Joseph, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, IUML leader N. Shamsuddin, Kerala Congress president PJ Joseph and RSP leader NK Premachandran were present.
The session at Pandalam was concluded by ‘Foot Marches’ Organis’ Organized by KPCC ACROSS FOUR ZONES, under the leadership of BENA BEHNAN, Ador Prakash, K. MuraleDharan and kodikunnil suresh.
Earlier in the day, confusion prevailed over the participation of K. Muraleedharan, who led one of the zonal-level marches up to Chengannur. He reportedly stayed away from the event in the morning, reportedly out of anger over KPCC’s recent realignment. Party sources said Mr Muraleedharan was frustrated by the exclusion of KM Haris from the list of KPCC general secretaries.
“Mr Muraleedharan left the event citing a visit to the Guruvayur temple for darshan. The matter was resolved after Mr Satheesan approached him and attended the event at Pandalam late in the evening,” a party source said.
Published – 18 Oct 2025 20:06 IST
