Kerala Assembly Budget session resumes amid Opposition uproar over Sabarimala gold theft case

The Budget session of the Kerala Assembly resumed on Monday (February 23, 2026) amid pandemonium, with the Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) disrupting the Question Hour over the Sabarimala gold theft issue.

Immediately after the Question Hour opened at 9 a.m., the Opposition persisted with its demand that the Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan should resign. The Opposition also reiterated its allegation that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s office was interfering with the special investigation team (SIT) probe.

A war of words also ensued after the UDF reiterated its criticism over the arrest of Sabarimala Tantri (chief priest) Kandararu Rajeevaru in connection with the case.

Senior Congress MLA K. Babu, speaking for the Opposition, said the Opposition would continue its non-cooperation with Assembly procedures as all the accused in the gold theft case had secured bail due to “lapses” on the part of the CPI(M)-led LDF government.

“From the start of the current session, we have refused to cooperate with Assembly procedures demanding the Devaswom Minister’s resignation and protesting against the Chief Minister’s office’s interference in the investigation. All the main accused are now out of jail owing to lapses on the part of the government,” Mr. Babu said.

‘Tantri needlessly arrested’

Mr. Babu alleged that the Sabarimala Tantri was “needlessly arrested” and held for 40 days. Moreover, the financial irregularities related to the Ayyappa Sangamam event have now become public. Furthermore, the stand adopted by the government on the women entry issue related to the Sabarimala temple is suspect, he said.

UDF members then trooped down to the well of the House and settled there holding placards and shouting slogans.

LDF slams protest

Members of the ruling LDF slammed the Opposition protests, calling it politically motivated.

Minister for Law P. Rajeeve said the SIT probe was being conducted under the supervision of the High Court and the latter had expressed satisfaction over its progress.

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs M.B. Rajesh said the Chief Minister and the government have repeatedly made it clear that all culprits in the gold theft case would be brought to justice. Mr. Rajesh also pointed out that the tantri had only the same rights others had.

The Question Hour progressed amid the protests.

The Budget session had resumed on Monday after a break from February 6. Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal had presented the 2026-27 State Budget on January 29.