Rahul Gandhi Upset Over Sonia’s Name in Sabarimala Gold Row

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is reportedly deeply upset with sections of the Kerala Congress leadership for their aggressive pursuit of the Sabarimala gold theft controversy, which has now pulled his mother Sonia Gandhi’s name into the political crossfire. Sources close to Rahul indicate he views the state party’s approach as short-sighted, allowing the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF to launch a sharp counter-offensive and turn the issue into a major confrontation.

The row escalated after photographs surfaced showing Unnikrishnan Potty—the prime accused in the alleged theft of gold from Sabarimala temple idols—alongside Sonia Gandhi and Congress MPs Adoor Prakash and Anto Antony. The Left seized on these images to allege links between Congress leadership and the accused, branding it a smear campaign by the opposition. Heated exchanges dominated the Kerala assembly, with ministers like M B Rajesh making pointed remarks linking “the thief and the person who pocketed the loot,” prompting Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan to demand their expunction.

Rahul believes the Congress’s sustained aggressive campaign, including the use of provocative protest songs like “Pottiye Kettiyatharappa,” forced the LDF into a defensive yet intensified response. The failure to provide a clear explanation about the photograph has further allowed the ruling front to weaponise the issue. Adoor Prakash admitted meeting Potty multiple times but strongly denied any connection to the gold case.

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The controversy revolves around the alleged misappropriation of precious gold from the Lord Ayyappa temple’s Dwarapalaka idols and sanctum sanctorum door frames. A Special Investigation Team has arrested 12 individuals, including Potty and two former Travancore Devaswom Board presidents. The matter became a key plank for the UDF during recent panchayat elections, initially appearing advantageous, but now risks backfiring amid the escalating political slugfest.

Insiders say the episode has caused significant damage to the Congress in Kerala, highlighting internal strategic missteps and deepening the rift between the UDF and LDF. Rahul’s displeasure underscores concerns that the handling has unnecessarily escalated a sensitive temple-related issue into a broader national-level embarrassment for the party.

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