On December 25, 2025, Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) clashed over suspects in the Sabarimala Gold Theft case. The row began when Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan questioned how prime suspect Unnikrishnan Potti and his accomplice Govardhan gained access to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's high-security home. Mr. Vijayan highlighted photos showing Mr. Potti, Govardhan, and senior Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Adoor Prakash, Prayar Gopalakrishnan, and MP Anto Antony. One image shows Mr. Potti tying a thread on Ms Gandhi’s wrist. Mr. Vijayan said it was unusual that suspects could enter an area restricted even to top Congress members like Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma. The CPI(M) used these photos during civic polls after the UDF won, campaigning on accusations linking the Left Democratic Front to the theft. Adoor Prakash said, "I would have distanced myself and also Ms Gandhi if I had known about Mr. Potti’s criminal intentions." He further claimed, "Mr. Vijayan is seen whispering into Mr. Potti’s ear, possibly giving him carte blanche to run Sabarimala affairs." CPI(M) State Secretary dismissed the photo of Mr. Vijayan whispering to Mr. Potti as "fabricated" using AI to mislead voters and warned the creators face legal action. Mr. Govindan said Mr. Potti was "a permanent fixture at Sabarimala during the UDF regime" and accused UDF of allowing Mr. Potti freedom there.