Thiruvananthapuram, March 14 (NationPress) The Kerala government’s recent change in its approach towards women's access to the Sabarimala temple has ignited a significant political clash between the ruling CPI(M) and the Opposition, with both factions accusing one another of using the situation for political gain as the Assembly elections draw near.

V. D. Satheesan, the Opposition leader, claimed that the state administration modified its stance solely with electoral aspirations in mind. In a press conference held in Ernakulam on Saturday, Satheesan asserted that the government has now aligned with the position that the Opposition previously advocated regarding this contentious matter.

“The government is now adopting the same viewpoint that we had earlier regarding women’s entry at Sabarimala. Nonetheless, they continue to criticize the Opposition, alleging that we were the cause of disruptions that led to losses in court,” he stated.

He emphasized that the government once portrayed itself as a proponent of progressive values, invoking the 'Women’s Wall' initiative, while labeling the Opposition as regressive.

“As the elections approach, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his team are retreating from their earlier stance,” Satheesan remarked.

He also expressed concern about the status of the investigation into the purported Sabarimala gold theft, stating that progress has stalled.

“Many of the accused have obtained bail, and the Special Investigation Team has yet to file even a preliminary charge sheet,” he said, voicing fears that the case might end without a resolution.

On the other hand, CPI(M) general secretary M.A. Baby defended the government’s adjusted position, explaining that it was made after careful consideration of public sentiment.

He noted that the Left government had initially sought to enforce the Supreme Court of India’s ruling permitting women’s entry, and that the verdict had garnered widespread initial political backing, although some later shifted their stance.

Baby underscored that the Supreme Court has opted to reevaluate its previous decision and that the government’s current position mirrors societal sentiments. “The party may have its own perspectives, but it does not mandate that the government must strictly adhere to them. Decisions are made based on a broader evaluation of the social landscape,” he stated.

He added that matters concerning temple traditions should ideally involve scholars knowledgeable about religious customs along with social reformers, suggesting the expert committee linked to the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple as a viable example.