BJP, RSS making Sabarimala a place of violence: Kerala CM
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday attacked the BJP and RSS for the violent agitation at the Lord Ayyappa temple complex in Sabarimala over the entry of women of all ages into the hill shrine. The temple in Sabarimala had witnessed high drama and tense moments for six days when it was opened for monthly prayers from October 17 to 22. Here's more.
Agitation was 'planned and deliberate attempt' to create tension: Vijayan
The incidents of preventing women in the 10-50 years' age group from entering the temple and attacking media personnel were part of an RSS conspiracy, Vijayan alleged. The government has the constitutional responsibility of implementing SC verdict permitting women of all ages to offer prayers at the temple and no attempt to convert the complex into a "war zone" would be allowed, he said.
Government had the responsibility to implement the court order
While maintaining that the faith of believers would be respected, Vijayan made it clear the government had the responsibility to implement the SC order. He also charged that a "heinous attempt" was made by RSS to communalize the state police, apparently referring to the cyber attack faced by IGPs Manoj and Sreejith, who had been deputed to the temple to maintain law and order.
Vijayan also criticized the temple head priest
Vijayan also criticized the temple tantri (Vedic head priest of temples), Kandararu Rajeevaru, who had said he would close the temple and go if women were allowed inside the shrine, and the agitation by assistants of priests who had protested near the holy 18 steps.
