The Kerala Assembly on Thursday suspended three legislators from the Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front amid protests against alleged irregularities in the gold plating of idols in the Sabarimala temple, The Indian Express reported.

The row arose from claims that the gold-plated coverings on the idols of the dwarapalaka, or the guardian deity at the Ayyappa temple, were lighter than before. This came to light during proceedings in the Kerala High Court after the idols were reportedly re-plated without its knowledge.

Opposition parties have accused the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) government in the state of mismanagement and “looting” temple property.

The functioning of the Assembly was disrupted for the fourth day on Thursday.

The motion to suspend the

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