Sabarimala verdict protests get louder
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Protests over the Supreme Court’s verdict allowing entry of women of all ages into Sabarimala got louder on Thursday after the Congress and the Nair Service Society (NSS), which works for the betterment of the nair community, asked the state government to file a review petition and explore ways to bring an ordinance to restore the status quo.
Workers of the Mahila Morcha, the women’s wing of the BJP, on Thursday picketed the headquarters of Travancore Devasom Board (TDB) which runs the temple. Several organisations affiliated to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh have also called for a meeting in Kochi on October 8 to chalk out a strategy.
The state and TDB made it clear on Wednesday that they will go ahead with the verdict
“Instead of rushing with the verdict the government should inform the court about practical difficulties involved in implementing the order. Devotees are upset and nobody can overlook this,” said senior Congress leader K Muralidharan. He added that entry of women to the shrine is not a gender issue and claimed no rights violations are involved.
“In beliefs, customs and rituals the court’s role is limited. If a custom is discriminatory in nature, religious heads, priests and devotees should find a remedy. Let religious customs be dealt with religious heads , otherwise it will open a can of worms. If this continues, customs in other religions will also be questioned,” he added.
The NSS said it will file a review petition in the Supreme Court. The NSS, which joined as a party in the long-drawn litigation, said the government was showing unnecessary hurry in implementing the verdict.
“The government and TDB can’t overlook sentiments of crores of devotees. They should talk to all concerned parties to arrive at a consensus,” said NSS general secretary Sukumaran Nair.
Meanwhile, the BJP was left red-faced after a lead article appeared in party mouthpiece ‘Janmabhumi’ on Thursday hailing the verdict. The article, written by R Sanjayan, deputy director of Bhartiya Vichara Kendram, said the entry of women will only enhance the glory and popularity of the temple. Later, the BJP distanced itself from the article saying it is Sanjayan’s personal opinion.