Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 24 (UNI) In a major political move over the Sabarimala women’s entry issue, the BJP has announced that it will light the ‘Ayyappa Jyothi’ in front of the Chief Minister’s official residence at 5 pm on Tuesday demanding that the state government withdraw its earlier affidavit filed in the Supreme Court and submit a fresh one supporting temple customs and devotees.
BJP National Executive Committee member P.K. Krishnadas said thousands of Ayyappa devotees and party workers are expected to participate in the programme.
He said the party is pressing the government to clearly state its stand on the Sabarimala issue and act in favour of protecting rituals and traditions.
An “Ayyappa Samrakshana Sangamam” will also be organised at Chengannur, considered the gateway to Sabarimala, seeking what he termed as a change of heart for the Chief Minister and the state government. In the coming days, the BJP plans to organise similar programmes, including the lighting of ‘Ayyappa Jyothi’, in over 23,000 booths across the state.
Krishnadas demanded that CPI(M) State Secretary M.V. Govindan withdraw his remarks against the Thantri and publicly apologise. He alleged that despite the court granting bail citing lack of evidence, defamatory statements were made against the Thantri.
He further demanded a CBI probe into the Sabarimala gold theft case, alleging that the SIT investigation has stalled and accusing the Chief Minister of interfering in the probe.
He also claimed there was a political understanding between the ruling and opposition leadership to prevent the case from reaching higher political levels.
The BJP leader also called for the withdrawal of cases registered against Ayyappa devotees who protested against alleged violations of temple customs, and accused the state government and the CPI(M) of maintaining an anti-Ayyappa stance.
