Sabarimala's Shadow: Women's Entry, Gold Theft Shape Kerala Election 2026

• The Sabarimala controversy, including women's entry and an alleged gold theft, is a key political theme for Kerala's 2026 Assembly elections.
• The 2018 Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all ages into the temple sparked widespread protests and transformed into a major political issue.
• An alleged gold theft case at Sabarimala has added a new dimension, intensifying political attacks and scrutiny on temple administration, particularly in Kazhakootam.
• Political parties, including the CPI(M), are recalibrating their stances on women's entry, balancing progressive commitments with electoral considerations and public sentiment.
• The issue intersects with identity politics, governance credibility, and ideological positioning, influencing electoral narratives and voter mobilization across Kerala.