CPM Intensifies Attack on Sabarimala Tanthri Amid Political Firestorm
In a sharp escalation of the political conflict surrounding the arrest of Sabarimala tanthri Kandararu Rajeevaru, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has launched a fierce offensive. CPM state secretary M V Govindan has publicly labeled the tanthri as a figure in the list of 'big thieves,' directly challenging the opposition parties' defense of the religious leader.
Govindan's Allegations and Probe Details
Responding to media inquiries about the tanthri's claim that he was targeted for opposing women's entry at the hill shrine following the Supreme Court verdict, Govindan clarified that the investigation is still ongoing. He emphasized that the specific charges against Kandararu Rajeevaru will only become clear after the completion of the probe. This statement comes despite the Kollam vigilance court granting bail to the tanthri in the Sabarimala gold heist case, noting that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had failed to produce substantial evidence to support the allegations.
Govindan reiterated the CPM's unwavering stance, asserting that not even a speck of gold should be taken from Sabarimala. He insisted that whoever is responsible for any wrongdoing must be brought to justice, and no one should be protected. In a scathing critique, he accused the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of taking a shameful stand by attempting to shield those involved in the case.
Political Conspiracy Claims and ED's Role Questioned
The CPM leader raised pointed questions about the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) actions, questioning why the agency did not visit the tanthri's premises. Govindan suggested that politics was deeply involved in this omission, hinting at possible interference or selective targeting.
Turning his focus to the Congress, Govindan came down heavily on the party, criticizing its leadership for failing to provide a proper explanation. He highlighted that the prime accused in the gold heist case, Unnikrishnan Potti, and the person who brought the gold had visited the house of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi along with other party members. Govindan demanded answers, also questioning why the precious vaji vahanam was handed over to the tanthri, implying potential complicity or negligence.
BJP's Counterattack and Rule of Law Concerns
Meanwhile, BJP leader P S Sreedharan Pillai launched a strong counterattack against the CPM's allegations. He asserted that calling Kandararu Rajeevaru a 'big thief' constitutes a direct challenge to the rule of law. Pillai referenced the court order granting bail to the tanthri, which clearly stated that there was not even a shred of evidence against him. Despite this judicial observation, CPM leaders have persisted in using the derogatory label, which Pillai condemned as irresponsible and politically motivated.
Pillai alleged that political vendetta is driving the actions against the tanthri, particularly for the legal advice he gave during the 2018 women's entry issue at Sabarimala. He claimed that keeping the tanthri in jail for 41 days was part of a broader conspiracy to undermine faith and target individuals based on their religious roles. According to Pillai, the CPM has consistently attempted to erode religious beliefs and practices through such tactics.
Historical Context and Legal Advice Revelation
In his new book titled 'Sabarimala Samaravum Suvarna Avasara Vidhiyum,' Pillai provides further context to the controversy. He wrote that he had given legal advice to the tanthri to close the shrine when it appeared that women might arrive at Sabarimala following the Supreme Court order. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to the case, suggesting that the tanthri's actions were guided by legal counsel rather than malicious intent.
The political row continues to simmer, with all parties digging in their heels. The CPM maintains its aggressive posture, while the Congress and BJP rally in defense of the tanthri, framing the issue as one of religious freedom and judicial overreach. As the probe progresses, the allegations and counter-allegations are likely to intensify, keeping the Sabarimala controversy at the forefront of Kerala's political discourse.
