In Kerala, political tensions have escalated over the Sabarimala gold theft case, prompting significant outrage within the state assembly. The Congress party has labeled the arrest of a temple official, known as the tantri, as a politically motivated action designed to shift focus away from serious allegations that have been directed at leaders of the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM). Congress leaders, including Ramesh Chenithala, have voiced that the government is protecting its ministers while targeting the tantri unjustly. They cite a recent ruling from the Kollam Vigilance Court, which stated that there was no substantial evidence against the tantri, yet he spent 41 days in custody.

Chenithala accused the state government of attempting to undermine the court’s authority while delaying the filing of a charge sheet in this high-profile case. He highlighted the disparity in treatment of the arrested individuals associated with the case, noting that other accused have been granted bail one by one, while the tantri remains imprisoned. This raises questions regarding the motives behind the arrest and ongoing legal processes, suggesting that the government is trying to shield the genuine perpetrators involved in the gold theft.

Additionally, the Congress party has questioned the government’s position on women's entry into the Sabarimala temple, which has been a contentious issue in the past. They are seeking clarity on the government's current stance, indicating that the controversy surrounding the tantri's arrest is intertwined with broader discussions regarding gender equality and rights within sacred spaces. The political implications of this situation reveal a complex battle over accountability, governance, and social issues in Kerala.