Thiruvananthapuram
On Wednesday, the BJP Yuva Morcha staged a protest in Thiruvananthapuram against the Kerala government’s mismanagement of the Sabarimala issue. Protestors attempted to breach barricades, prompting the police to use water cannons to disperse them. Preceding this, Sabarimala devotees blocked the Pamba-Erumeli road, protesting the long waits at Nilakkal, where visitors en route to the temple were reportedly delayed for hours, affecting women, children, and the elderly.
The BJP Kerala unit accused the INDI Alliance and state governments of persecuting Hindu believers, especially evident in the state of Sabarimala. The party affirmed its commitment to defending the rights and beliefs of devotees, positioning itself at the forefront of safeguarding Sanatana Dharma.
The Congress also criticized the Pinarayi Vijayan government’s handling of Sabarimala devotees, demanding central forces’ intervention. Opposition leader VD Satheesan highlighted the mismanagement, citing issues such as lack of transport, medical support, and essential amenities for devotees. Travancore Devaswom Board president PS Prashanth refuted UDF’s allegations of inadequate amenities at Sabarimala, terming them politically motivated. He acknowledged a surge in pilgrims over the weekend, leading to security challenges, but assured that the situation was now under control. In response to the controversy, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan directed coordinated efforts to address the surge in pilgrims, suggesting extended darshan timings and limiting spot bookings to emergencies. The meeting included state ministers, the Devaswom board president, the State Police head, and district collectors, focusing on measures to manage the increased footfall at Sabarimala without inconveniencing pilgrims.
