Kerala Devaswom and Health Minister K Muraleedharan on Sunday said that those blaming the state government for the Sabarimala gold loss issue should also take into consideration the developments at the Ayodhya Ram Temple.
Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the Pulse Polio campaign here, the minister, without naming any political party or organisation, said some people talk about Sabarimala every day.
“We understand their feelings. But there are similar religious people in Ayodhya too. The people who spoke about the feelings of religious people in Ayodhya are now ruling the country,” he said.
He said those criticizing the Kerala government should also explain why gold was stolen from the Ayodhya temple.
He was referring to the recent Ayodhya Ram temple fund embezzlement case.
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“However, in the Sabarimala case, the state government will take further steps based on the SIT report,” he said.
The Special Investigation Team, which is probing two cases related to the disappearance of gold from artifacts at the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, is expected to submit its report before the Kerala High Court on Monday.
Recently, BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar wrote to the Kerala Chief Minister to hand over the investigation into the Sabarimala gold case to the RBI or else the party will launch an agitation campaign across Kerala.
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The minister also defended the state government’s budget proposal to reduce taxes on low-alcohol drinks and said the proposal forms part of the Finance Bill.
“If the draft law is approved by the Assembly, its implementation will be determined after discussions within the United Democratic Front government,” he said.
Muraleedharan said the tax cut applies only to low-alcohol drinks.
“We have not reduced taxes on liquor with high alcohol content. Kerala has not reached a stage where a complete ban is possible. The government’s intention is that alcoholic beverages should not adversely affect people’s health,” he said.
He claimed that although the government’s intention was clear, the opposition portrayed it as having ulterior motives.
“In any case, there will be no system for selling mixed alcoholic beverages,” he said.
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The minister also said that the outbreak of infectious diseases in the state is under control, with cases of shigella and dengue fever declining.
“For the past few days, there have been no deaths due to shigella infection. Dengue cases are also under control. However, if the rains intensify and waste is not removed from public places, it could become a matter of serious concern,” he added.
