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The Budget league of the Kerala Assembly resumed connected Monday (February 23, 2026) amid pandemonium, with the Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) disrupting the Question Hour implicit the Sabarimala golden theft issue.
Immediately aft the Question Hour opened astatine 9 a.m., the Opposition persisted with its request that the Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan should resign. The Opposition besides reiterated its allegation that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s bureau was interfering with the peculiar probe squad (SIT) probe.
A warfare of words besides ensued aft the UDF reiterated its disapproval implicit the apprehension of Sabarimala Tantri (chief priest) Kandararu Rajeevaru successful transportation with the case.
Senior Congress MLA K. Babu, speaking for the Opposition, said the Opposition would proceed its non-cooperation with Assembly procedures arsenic each the accused successful the golden theft lawsuit had secured bail owed to “lapses” connected the portion of the CPI(M)-led LDF government.
“From the commencement of the existent session, we person refused to cooperate with Assembly procedures demanding the Devaswom Minister’s resignation and protesting against the Chief Minister’s office’s interference successful the investigation. All the main accused are present retired of jailhouse owing to lapses connected the portion 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 fiscal irregularities related to the Ayyappa Sangamam lawsuit person present go public. Furthermore, the basal adopted by the authorities connected the women introduction contented related to the Sabarimala temple is suspect, helium said.
UDF members past trooped down to the good of the House and settled determination 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 nether the supervision of the High Court and the second had expressed restitution implicit its progress.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs M.B. Rajesh said the Chief Minister and the authorities person repeatedly made it wide that each culprits successful the golden theft lawsuit would beryllium brought to justice. Mr. Rajesh besides pointed retired that the tantri had lone the aforesaid rights others had.
The Question Hour progressed amid the protests.
The Budget league had resumed connected Monday aft a interruption from February 6. Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal had presented the 2026-27 State Budget connected January 29.
