Amid BJP opposition, Kerala govt-backed Ayyappa Sangamam gets Yogi stamp of approval

Adityanath’s message has come at a time when the BJP and Sangh Parivar organisations have come out against the event, questioning the political motive of the CPM government.

Senior Congress legislator and Opposition Leader V D Satheesan said the minister has read out the statement of Adityanath “to make space for communal elements. It is another face of the politics for elections,” he said.

As a counter to the Pamba event, the Sangh Parivar organisations – under the banner of Sabarimala Karma Samithi – are conducting a conclave at Pandalam on September 22. Tamil Nadu’s former BJP state president, K Annamalai will open the event “Sabarimala Protection Sangamam’’. Around 1,000 delegates are expected along with the erstwhile Pandalam royal family, which has considerable stake in the rituals and traditions at the Sabarimala temple.

Karma Samithi general convener SJR Kumar said they have also invited the UP CM. “Yesterday, he sent a message to us wishing for our event on September 22. He is unable to attend our event due to his official schedule,’’ he added.

BJP and Congress have questioned the political motive behind the conduct of the sangamam. Both the parties wanted the government to first withdraw criminal cases registered against devotees in connection with protests held at the 2018 Sabarimala protests when the government tried to implement the Supreme Court verdict.

Another joint demand is that the Left government must withdraw its affidavit in the Supreme Court supporting the entry of young women.

Although Congress and BJP have kept away from the event, prominent Hindu outfits Nair Service Society and SNDP Yogam have taken part.

In 2018, NSS had spearheaded the agitations against the entry of young women while the state government stood in favour of it.

BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said, “The poor participation shows that devotees have rejected the programme. Devotees have recognised the political drama,’’ he said.

However, minister Vasavan refuted the allegation saying that 4126 delegates had registered and participated in the event. “Earlier we had decided to give registration for 3,000 persons. Later it was hiked to 5000,” he said.