BJP launches Rath Yatra to 'protect' tradition of Ayyappa Temple
The BJP today embarked on a Rath Yatra from Kasaragod in Kerala to "protect" the traditions and rituals of the hill-shrine of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala, which recently witnessed violent protests against the entry of women of menstruating age group. The opposition Congress is also launching a series of yatras from Kasaragod, Alappuzha, Thiruvananthapuram, Thodupuzha, and Palakkad to protect the faith and fight communalism.
Kerala government should apply its mind to end impasse: Yeddyurappa
Speaking at the inaugural function of the 'Sabarimala Samrakshana Yatra', former Karnataka CM B S Yeddyurappa sought the immediate intervention of the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government to end the tensions. The Kerala government should "apply its mind" and show seriousness to end the impasse, he said, adding that they aren't against the SC verdict but sentiments of the people should be respected.
Yatra to conclude when SC would consider review petitions
Yeddyurappa later flagged off the yatra, being led jointly by BJP state President, P S Sreedharan Pillai and Bharat Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS) President Tushar Vellapally, from Madhur Siddhi Vinayaka temple. The yatra will conclude at Erumeli near Sabarimala on November 13, when the SC is to consider the review petitions against its September 28 verdict permitting women of all-age groups in the temple.
Congress yatra to conclude at Pathanamthitta on November 15
Meanwhile, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Working President, K Sudhakaran will take out a rally from Kasaragod this evening, which will be inaugurated by senior Congress leader, M M Hassan. Other Congress leaders will also be leading rallies from different districts in the coming days, all of which will culminate at Pathanamthitta, where the Sabarimala shrine is located, on November 15.
Congress to inform people how CPI(M), BJP politicized Sabarimala issue
During the yatra, Congress will inform the people how the Sabarimala issue was "politicized" by the ruling CPI(M) and BJP, KPCC President Mullapally Ramachandran said. BJP-RSS and various other Hindu outfits have been on the warpath against the Left government's decision to implement the apex court verdict. The main opposition Congress has also made it clear that they were with the devotees.
Temple opened again on Monday, witnessed heavy protests
The Ayyappa temple opened on Monday for the second-time in three weeks for a two-day 'Sree Chitira Atta Thirunal' special puja, amid unprecedented security over apprehension of protests by those opposing the Supreme Court order. Tension had prevailed at the temple on Tuesday as nearly 200 frenzied devotees tried to prevent a woman pilgrim, whom they suspected to be of menstrual age, from entering.
