THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the LDF government’s upcoming ‘Ayyappa Sangamam’, labelling the event “political hypocrisy” and a cynical “election stunt” to mislead devotees.
Speaking at a press conference at Cantonment House, Satheesan posed a series of pointed questions to the government, demanding clarity on its stance on the Sabarimala pilgrimage before organizing such a conclave. He accused the ruling CPM of orchestrating the event through the Travancore Devaswom Board to exploit the sentiments of devotees for political gain.
“The same government that complicated the Sabarimala issue by amending the UDF-era affidavit in the Supreme Court to facilitate the violation of traditions is now displaying a fake affection for Lord Ayyappa,” Satheesan stated. “This is an insult to the common sense of the devotees.”
The Opposition Leader laid out three key demands for the government:
- Withdraw the Affidavit: Will the government withdraw its current affidavit in the Supreme Court that supports the entry of women of all ages, which the UDF claims is a violation of temple customs?
- Withdraw Police Cases: Is the government prepared to withdraw the pending police cases against thousands of devotees, including UDF leaders, who participated in the peaceful ‘Nama Japa’ (chanting) processions against the verdict?
- Clarify Development Record: Satheesan accused the LDF government of not lifting a “little finger” for Sabarimala’s development over the past 9.5 years, alleging that it failed to pay the statutory annual grant to the Devaswom Board for three consecutive years. He contrasted this with the previous UDF government, which he said acquired 112 acres for the Sabarimala Master Plan.
Satheesan made it clear that the UDF would not consider participating in the conclave until these questions were answered. “This isn’t a political conference for us to announce a boycott,” he remarked. “Let the government answer our questions, and then they can invite us.”
He also addressed his name being included in the event’s organizing committee, stating it was done without his consent and criticized the Devaswom Board President for allegedly misrepresenting a meeting request. “The hypocrisy of the CPM and the government will be recognized by the devotees,” he concluded.
