Chandy rejects CPI(M) stand on temple treasure

The Left party also come under attack from several Hindu outfits for slamming the proposals on dealing with the riches found in the temple vaults submitted by the amicus curiae before the Apex Court.

"Of course, it is for the Supreme Court to say the final word on the temple's riches. But the state government's stand is that they belong to the temple and should be kept safely in the temple itself. This position has been conveyed to the Supreme Court," Chandy told reporters here.

He also patted the royal house for guarding such a huge treasure for long and said this was to be seen as proof of their honesty.

 

"At a time when corruption scandals crop up, it is a credit for Kerala and for the royal family that they preserved the assets for many years," he said.

CPI(M) state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan and senior leader V S Achuthanandan had yesterday slammed the suggestions submitted by amicus curiae Gopal Subramanium, holding that they essentially meant restoration of the temple's control to Travancore Royal family, which rebuilt it in the 18th century.

On a private petition, the Kerala High Court had about two years ago, suggested that the governance of the temple be entrusted with a state body, ending its administration by a trust under the control of the royal house, which considers Lord Padmanabha as their family deity.

The royal family, however, has moved the Supreme Court challenging the High Court order.

The grand temple located in the heart of the Kerala capital drew international attention after a Supreme Court- ordered inventory found its vaults containing a glittering array of precious articles including gold ornaments, stone- studded crowns and piles of gold coins, reportedly valued at over Rs 1.50 lakh crore.