Indian Politicians Arguing Over What To Do With Temple's Newly Discovered Wealth

In India, unexpected treasure estimated to be worth $11 billion found in underground vaults of a temple in Kerala state is leading to a growing political controversy. Various aspects of the story are reported in recent days by the Global Post, the Khaleej Times, and Live Mint. The present situation began with a dispute in 2007 over who had the right to manage the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple. The temple was built in the 16th century by the royal family of the kingdom of Travancore. After Indian independence in 1947, Travancore eventually became part of Kerala. In January of this year, the Kerala High Court held that the state government should take over administration of the temple from the royal trust that had been managing it.  An appeal to India's Supreme Court led to an order for an audit of the temple's assets-- including opening of vaults that have been closed for many decades.  Politicians from parties representing lower caste Hindus are urging that the wealth now found through that audit be applied for public welfare projects. However other parties oppose that idea.  The United Democratic Front that holds a 2-seat majority in Kerala's 140-member parliament is considering introducing legislation to preserve the right of the royal family to maintain its control of the temple and its assets.