Kerala CM Vijayan backs out of program celebrating menstruation; kicks up row

KOCHI: A controversy erupted in Kerala after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday backed out of a program organised here to "celebrate menstruation" in a bid to end the stigma associated with the biological process. The two-day program titled 'Aarpo Aarthavam' (Hurray menses!) was organised by some activist groups in response to widespread protests in the state by right-wing outfits over the implementation of a Supreme Court verdict, permitting the entry of women in the menstruating age groups into Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala. The organisers had informed the media that Vijayan, who had organised 'Women's Wall' program on women empowerment on January 1, would participate in the program on Sunday to be attended by cultural icons of the Left. However, government sources said the chief minister had not consented to attend the function.