Sabarimala gold theft: CPM completely rejects P S Prasanth, citing lessons from past

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM has completely rejected former Travancore Devaswom Board president P S Prasanth, arrested in the Sabarimala gold theft case. The reactions of senior party leaders following his arrest indicate that the party is not willing to defend him. Political observers believe the party's stand stems from its previous experience with the arrest of former devaswom board president A Padmakumar. The party faced criticism for not taking firm action against him, a decision that party insiders reportedly believe contributed to setbacks in the local body and assembly elections. Party members are said to have questioned both state and district leaders over the issue in the party committees convened to discuss the poll debacle.

Senior leader E P Jayarajan was the first to reject claims that Prasanth's arrest was politically motivated. He stated that he did not view the arrest as politically driven and that the law should take its own course. Former devaswom minister V N Vasavan also adopted the same stand. Prasanth was devaswom board president, then. The party's general secretary, meanwhile, declined to comment on the arrest.

The arrest has put the party on the defensive, as three of the five Travancore Devaswom Board presidents appointed during the Pinarayi Vijayan government's ten-year tenure have now been arrested in the Sabarimala gold theft case. The party is believed to be cautious about the political sensitivity of the Sabarimala issue, fearing a backlash if it is seen as defending those accused.

Prasanth, who joined the CPM after leaving the Congress, was appointed Devaswom Board President soon after switching parties. His appointment reportedly faced opposition from several senior CPM leaders, who argued that such a prominent post had never before been given so quickly to a newcomer. Although the issue was raised in party committees, it did not receive enough support. Following the election defeat, criticism also emerged that the Global Ayyappa Sangamam led by Prasanth had contributed to the party's electoral setback.

Prasanth was taken into custody by the Special Investigation Team from his residence at Enikkara in Thiruvananthapuram early Thursday morning. He was later taken to Kollam, where his arrest was formally recorded.