BJP demands withdrawal of 16,000 Sabarimala agitation cases in Kerala
Synopsis
BJP's Kummanam Rajasekharan is pressing Kerala's UDF government to drop cases against an estimated 16,000 Sabarimala agitation participants — while CM Satheesan sidesteps the demand by taking personal charge of pilgrimage preparations and blocking the Devaswom Board chief's exit. The tension reveals how Sabarimala remains a live political flashpoint, not just a religious logistics challenge.
Key Takeaways
BJP National Executive Member Kummanam Rajasekharan demanded immediate withdrawal of cases against around 16,000 Sabarimala agitation protesters on Wednesday, 23 September 2026 .
Kerala Chief Minister V.D.
Satheesan rejected Travancore Devaswom Board President K.
Jayakumar's offer to resign, keeping him in post for the pilgrimage season.
Satheesan announced he would personally review and coordinate arrangements for the Sabarimala Mandala-Makaravilakku season.
Kummanam alleged gaps in road, water, electricity, healthcare, transport, and sanitation preparations ahead of the pilgrimage.
The BJP accused the UDF of a contradictory approach — seeking votes on temple tradition and then sidelining agitation participants after taking office.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Executive Member Kummanam Rajasekharan on Wednesday accused the V.D. Satheesan-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala of abandoning those who took part in the Sabarimala agitation, warning that politicians who sought votes in the name of protecting temple traditions must not sideline the protesters after coming to power.
The Cases Demand
Kummanam demanded the immediate withdrawal of cases registered against devotees during the Sabarimala agitation, asserting that roughly 16,000 people still face active charges. He pointed out that the Kerala government had previously announced it would withdraw cases lacking criminal elements, but said no effective follow-through had occurred. The allegation puts the UDF government on the defensive ahead of the upcoming pilgrimage season.
CM Satheesan's Counter-Move
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan rejected the resignation offer of Travancore Devaswom Board President K. Jayakumar, making it clear that Jayakumar would continue in his post through the pilgrimage season. Satheesan also announced he would personally review and coordinate preparations for the Sabarimala Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, signalling that the state government is taking direct charge of arrangements. The Chief Minister said both the government and the Devaswom Board would collaborate to ensure the pilgrimage proceeds without shortcomings.
Infrastructure and Logistics Concerns
Kummanam alleged inadequate progress in pilgrimage preparations, citing gaps in road renovation, drinking water supply, electricity, healthcare, transport, and sanitation. He specifically called for guaranteed availability of traditional offerings such as aravana and appam, and demanded adequate food access and essential supplies for pilgrims. He also urged that facilities at Pamba be set up for pilgrims needing materials for the irumudikettu, including ghee-filled coconuts.
Kummanam further called for official permission and logistical support for charitable organisations and voluntary groups willing to provide free meals to pilgrims — a request that reflects long-standing demands from civil society groups active during the annual season.
Political Fault Lines
The BJP leader criticised what he described as a pattern of the state government and the Devaswom Board deflecting blame onto each other for shortcomings. He called for coordinated action among the Kerala government, the Devaswom Board, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), the Kerala Water Authority, and Kerala State Electricity Board Ltd. (KSEB) instead of buck-passing. Satheesan's decision to personally oversee preparations and retain Jayakumar in his post effectively places the government at the centre of accountability — a move that narrows the political space the BJP is trying to occupy on this issue.
Point of View
But it does not answer the legal question of why announced case withdrawals have not materialised. With the pilgrimage season approaching, both sides are manoeuvring for credit and blame simultaneously — and the 16,000 devotees still facing charges are caught in the middle of that calculus.
NationPress
23 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Sabarimala agitation protesters are still facing cases in Kerala?
According to BJP leader Kummanam Rajasekharan, around 16,000 people who participated in the Sabarimala agitation are still facing active cases. He demanded their immediate withdrawal, alleging the Kerala government had promised action but not delivered.
What is the Sabarimala Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season?
It is the annual pilgrimage season at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, one of the largest Hindu pilgrimages in the world, drawing millions of devotees each year. The Mandala and Makaravilakku periods mark the peak of the season, requiring extensive state and Devaswom Board coordination.
Why did CM Satheesan reject the Devaswom Board president's resignation?
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan rejected K. Jayakumar's willingness to step down, stating that Jayakumar would continue as Travancore Devaswom Board President through the pilgrimage season to ensure continuity in preparations.
What infrastructure concerns did the BJP raise about Sabarimala preparations?
BJP's Kummanam Rajasekharan cited insufficient progress in road renovation, drinking water supply, electricity, healthcare, transport, and sanitation. He also called for guaranteed availability of aravana, appam, and irumudikettu materials at Pamba.
What is the BJP's main political charge against the UDF on Sabarimala?
The BJP alleges that the UDF government sought votes by pledging to protect temple traditions but has since sidelined the Sabarimala agitation participants. It accuses the government of a contradictory approach and of allowing the state government and Devaswom Board to deflect blame onto each other.
