Kerala Assembly suspends three Opposition MLAs amid protests over Sabarimala gold-plating row

The Kerala Assembly on Thursday suspended three legislators from the Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front amid protests against alleged irregularities in the gold plating of idols in the Sabarimala temple, The Indian Express reported.

The row arose from claims that the gold-plated coverings on the idols of the dwarapalaka, or the guardian deity at the Ayyappa temple, were lighter than before. This came to light during proceedings in the Kerala High Court after the idols were reportedly re-plated without its knowledge.

Opposition parties have accused the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) government in the state of mismanagement and “looting” temple property.

The functioning of the Assembly was disrupted for the fourth day on Thursday.

The motion to suspend the three MLAs – Roji M John, M Vincent, and Saneesh Kumar Joseph – was introduced by state Parliamentary Affairs Minister MB Rajesh, The Hindu reported. He alleged that the Opposition MLAs had “crossed the point of no return” by injuring watch and ward personnel.

Temple gold thieves in government must resign! Congress-led UDF members protested in front of the Kerala assembly demanding the resignation of the Devaswom minister over the theft of sacred gold in Sabarimala temple. pic.twitter.com/zs6pE4PgUB— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) October 9, 2025

The minister claimed that Chief Marshal M Shibu was injured while attempting to prevent legislators from storming...

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