Sabarimala gold theft will influence poll verdict, says KPCC president Sunny Joseph

The Sabarimala gold smuggling case will be a decisive factor in the local body election, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Sunny Joseph said on Thursday (December 10, 2025). He was speaking to reporters after casting his vote along with his wife at the booth set up at St. John Baptist English Medium School, in the 14th ward of Thanthode under Payam panchayat near Irrity.

Mr. Joseph said the United Democratic Front was entering the polling day with high expectations. After an energetic campaign in Southern Kerala, the front had concluded its campaign in the northern district with greater enthusiasm, he noted.

“The UDF began its campaign with strong groundwork and has managed to conclude it effectively,” he said.

The verdict, he added, would reflect people’s assessment of what he termed the government’s “anti-people policies,” including rising prices, the decline of the agricultural sector, unemployment, and corruption.

He accused the government of shielding CPI(M) leaders involved in the Sabarimala gold theft case despite the High Court’s remarks.

“Those in jail have not faced any meaningful action. Even though the High Court pointed out the presence of more accused, the government has not moved to arrest them. Allegations were raised against a former Minister as well, but there has been no investigation,” he said.

Referring to media reports on the statement of accused Padmakumar, he said the mention of a Minister had not been followed by questioning. “Government is thinking only about protecting those who should be made accused. The party fears taking action because more leader may get caught,” he said.