#SabarimalaTemple: Statewide bandh called after two-women enter holy shrine
The Sabarimala Karma Samiti (SKS) which is an umbrella organization of various Hindu outfits has called for a statewide bandh in Kerala after two women, in their 40s, entered the hilltop shrine of Lord Ayyappa in the early hours of Wednesday. After lawyer Bindu Ammini and government employee, Kanakadurga successfully entered, the temple was shut down for 'purification' for one hour. Here's what happened.
Ban was lifted months ago, many women failed in quest
Bindu and Kanakadurga became the first women to enter the temple after the Supreme Court lifted a ban in September last year. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan claimed the women prayed at the sanctum. The women added they didn't meet any protesters and their journey was smooth. Since the September 28 order, the state has witnessed violent protests by right-wing outfits.
After they entered, clashes broke out in state
The women's entry started a stir and the call for bandh, from 6 AM to 6 PM, followed. Earlier on Wednesday, clashes claimed the life of a BJP worker. Pandalam Police confirmed that 55-year-old Chandran Unnithan who was injured during stone pelting at the CPI(M) office succumbed to injuries. He died at around 10:30 PM. Meanwhile, BJP staged protests at Neyyatinkara.
However, some outfits have decided to boycott bandh
The BJP, which is trying to make inroads in Kerala ahead of Lok Sabha polls this year, is backing the bandh. However, traders and tourism firms have promised to boycott the bandh citing financial issues. State DGP Loknath Behera has asked all police chiefs to be on their toes to ensure normal life isn't affected by the bandh.
BJP leader claims Hindu people were 'raped'
Separately, BJP leaders attacked Vijayan. BJP state president PS Sreedharan Pillai likened him to a 'modern day Aurangzeb' who wanted to destroy Hindu temples. "The way the women were taken to the temple smacked of a planned, organized conspiracy. The stand of the BJP has been vindicated," said Pillai. Union Minister Ananth Kumar Hegde said, "It's totally daylight rape on Hindu people."
Watch: Here's what Hegde said
But CPI(M) believes the entry of women was overdue
On the other hand, intellectuals and writers have said the chief priest or thantri should be charged with contempt of court for closing the doors of the temple. Senior CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat said, "Every woman has the right to worship if they so wish." The ruling CPI(M) government noted the entry wasn't an unprecedented decision and was bound to happen.
