Thiruvananthapuram, Dec. 31 -- Kerala's already politically sensitive atmosphere witnessed a fresh flashpoint as the State-run Lottery Directorate was engulfed in a major controversy following allegations that a lottery ticket carried visuals insulting Lord Siva, sparking strong protests from Hindu organisations and drawing sharp reactions from the BJP.
The controversy centres on the Kerala government's 'Suvarna Keralam lottery ticket (SK-34)', scheduled to be drawn on January 2, 2026. Hindu Aikya Vedi alleged that the artwork printed on the ticket contains imagery that hurts Hindu religious sentiments.
According to the organisation, the visual depicts blood flowing onto a Shiv Linga, one of the most sacred and revered symbols in Shaivite...