Sabarimala gold row: CPI(M) may take action against ex MLA Padmakumar

The party was learnt to have sought an explanation from the former Travancore Devaswom Board chief over the issue.

Thiruvananthapuram: In yet another damage control over Sabarimala, the ruling CPI(M) in Kerala is learnt to have initiated steps to take action against a party leader held in the Ayyappa temple gold heist.

CPI(M) Pathanamthitta district committee member and former president of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) A Padmakumar, who is an accused in the gold row, is likely to face party action.

He is also a former party MLA.

The party was learnt to have sought an explanation from him over the issue. On the basis of the explanation further actions will be taken.

Even as Padmakumar was arrested in last November, the CPI(M) was not initiating any action against him, despite strong criticism from the government.

Hence the present move against Padmakumar could be also considered as a damage control move ahead of the Assembly polls as the Congress and BJP already decided to use Sabarimala gold heist as a key issue during the campaign.