KPCC faith protection march showcases UDF unity

The absence of a few dissenting leaders notwithstanding, ‘the faith protection march’ organised by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) against the alleged gold theft at Sabarimala concluded at Pandalam on Saturday, serving as a demonstration of the unity within the United Democratic Front (UDF).

Inaugurating its valedictory session , Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan launched 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 a 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 P.S. Prasanth and the Devaswom Minister once again entrusted him with the gold-plating works,” he said.

He also accused TDB officials of attempting to misappropriate the famed Ezharaponnana statue at 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 entry demonstrations.

KPCC president Sunny Joseph, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, IUML leader N. Shamsuddin, Kerala Congress Chairman P.J. Joseph, and RSP leader N.K. Premachandran were present, besides an array of Congress leaders.

The session at Pandalam marked the conclusion of `foot marches’ organised by the KPCC across four zones, led by Benny Behnan, Adoor Prakash, K. Muraleedharan and Kodikunnil Suresh respectively.

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 abstained from the event in the morning, allegedly due to resentment over the recent KPCC revamp. Party sources said Mr. Muraleedharan was frustrated over the exclusion of K.M. Haris from the list of KPCC general secretaries.

“Mr. Muraleedharan left the event, citing a visit to Guruvayur temple for darshan. The issue was resolved after Mr. Satheesan reached out to him and he was expected to arrive at Pandalam later in the evening,” a party source said.

Meanwhile, `A’ group leader Chandy Oommen, MLA, who has openly expressed his dissatisfaction over the KPCC revamp, also abstained from the event.