CPI(M) Embroiled in Sabarimala Controversy: Former TDB President Makes Explosive Allegations

The politically sensitive Sabarimala women's entry issue in Kerala was in the news again on Sunday, with media reports claiming that former TDB president ए.पद्मकुमार Padmakumar, then president of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), told close aides that he and senior police officer S Sreejith were deliberately kept away from the Sannidhanam on the day two women entered the Sabarimala temple after the Supreme Court verdict. The CPI (M) is hesitant to react to the report. Kerala state secretary MV Govindan said that any explanation should come from Padmakumar. However, Padmakumar, a former CPI (M) MLA and an accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case, alleged that the move was orchestrated by "a highly influential person" who had considerable influence in the party and that Padmakumar was asked to visit Thiruvananthapuram instead.