Kerala: Amit Shah says Sabarimala will be saved, attacks Left
BJP President Amit Shah launched a blitzkrieg on the Kerala government on Saturday as he dived into the row surrounding the Sabarimala Temple saying the Left was insulting the devotees of Lord Ayyappa. Shah, who visited Kannur in the state, to inaugurate a new office of BJP, said the party stood by the devotees of Ayyappa. Despite SC's order, no woman could enter the temple.
Context: Supreme Court allowed women's entry, protesters didn't
Political battle lines have been drawn in Kerala after women couldn't enter the 800-year-old temple despite the Supreme Court ordering otherwise. The top court cited discrimination and uplifted the ban last month. However, when women tried entering the temple, they were met with a sea of protesters. The temple was closed after a few days, and will re-open in November, which will be the real test.
Shah warns Left, talks of violence in name of order
Shah said he came to Kerala to warn the Communist party to not incite violence in the name of the court judgment. "It is sad the government fails to see the writing on the wall. Now they are filling jails with devotees," Shah said and added how could they arrest those who chanted hymns. He said the Left government won't last long with this attitude.
How can belief of 5 crore devotees be ignored: Shah
Shah said he wanted courts to not impose verdicts which weren't practical. "How can you sacrifice belief of over 5 crore devotees? Hindus never discriminated against women," he asked. He added beliefs of Hindus varied and there were temples where only women are allowed. "Instead of cracking a whip on poor Ayyappa devotees the government should concentrate more flood relief," he added.
Will save Sabarimala at any cost, Shah says
Revealing plans Shah said, "From October 30 to November 13 the party will organize statewide programs to expose the left government and save Sabarimala. We are ready to go to any extent to save Sabarimala."
