Actor Jayaram distances himself from Sabarimala gold plating controversy

Thiruvananthapuram: The Sabarimala gold plating controversy has taken another twist with actor Jayaram clarifying his presence at a 2019 ritual linked to Unnikrishnan Potti, a key sponsor of the temple’s restoration project.

Videos of the ceremony, held in Chennai, recently resurfaced online, drawing attention to Jayaram’s participation. “The ceremony was not at my house. It happened in Chennai. I went only because Unnikrishnan Potti invited me. I know him but we do not interact on a daily basis but with regards to Sabarimala temple, we speak,” the actor said.

Jayaram added that he had invited veteran artist Veeramani to the event, calling his presence “a matter of faith” rather than any active involvement. “I considered it a blessing to be part of the occasion. I was not aware of any fundraising linked to it, nor did I notice such activities,” he said. He also stated he was willing to testify if called upon.

The event, presented as connected to the sacred ‘Sreekovil door’ of Sabarimala, had drawn several prominent figures, intensifying the controversy when the footage reappeared.

Meanwhile, the Travancore Devaswom Board’s Vigilance wing has summoned Potti to appear on Saturday as part of its inquiry.

Political reactions have also sharpened. The Congress-led UDF has demanded a CBI probe into the controversy, while the BJP accused the Left government of enabling misuse of the temple’s assets.

BJP leader and former Union minister V. Muraleedharan said the Left government has allowed Sabarimala to be used as a tool for looting, as seen in the gold plating works handed over to ‘someone. “We wish to know who gave the right to hand over portions of the temple to this person. The Pinarayi Vijayan government has to come clean on this.”