MV Govindan, the CPI(M) state secretary, stated on Sunday that the party would not protect anyone found responsible in the Sabarimala gold loss case, and assured that appropriate action would be taken once the Special Investigation Team (SIT) concludes its investigation.
He maintained that the sexual assault allegations against Congress legislator Rahul Mamkootathil and the party's subsequent action could not be compared with the CPI(M)'s position in the Sabarimala gold row.
Govindan was responding to journalists' questions regarding the alleged delay in the party taking action against its senior leader and former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president, A Padmakumar, who was arrested by the SIT in the Sabarimala case.
"In the Sabarimala issue, whoever is responsible must be exposed. The party will not protect anyone. There is no need for any doubt about that," he asserted.
Stating that the party's position is to ensure that not an ounce of Lord Ayyappa's gold is lost, Govindan said the SIT is looking into all aspects of the issue as part of its inquiry.
"Let the truthful investigation be completed. Then, everyone will gain a clear picture about it. After that, the party will take the necessary action," the leader promised.
He said that no one can dictate the actions to be taken by the CPI(M), as the party has its own internal procedures and mechanisms for such matters.
"We will take action in accordance with that. Why are you in such a hurry?" Govindan asked, criticising the media. He also pointed out that Padmakumar is not a sitting MLA but simply a party worker.
His comments came at a time when the Congress leadership has accused the CPI(M) of failing to take any action against Padmakumar, even days after his arrest in the Sabarimala gold case.
Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple has been at the centre of a significant political controversy over the loss of gold for some time. A Special Investigation Team is currently looking into the loss of gold and related complaints, and several individuals, including two former presidents of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), have been arrested in connection with the matter.
Also read: Sabarimala gold scam: SIT grills ex-Thiruvabharanam Commissioner
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