Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 19 (NationPress) Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala criticized the government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, emphasizing that it is becoming increasingly evident that the administration's strategy is to undermine the Sabarimala pilgrimage and create obstacles for devotees.

Chennithala remarked, “This government should extend more compassion to the devotees of Ayyappa.”

Serious accusations have surfaced, claiming that the government has neglected to make even basic arrangements for the annual Mandala pilgrimage period, despite being aware that thousands of pilgrims from across India would flock to Sabarimala.

“Preparations should have commenced at least six months in advance. Instead, officials are now using the recently declared local body election code of conduct as an excuse. How can an election code, announced merely a week ago, affect preparations that should have started long ago?”

Moreover, the Kerala High Court has recently criticized the state's lack of readiness. Ground reports indicate severe deficiencies in essential services such as medical aid, sanitation, accommodation, crowd control, and police presence. Additionally, there seems to be a lack of coordination among various departments and insufficient deployment of central forces,” Chennithala added.

Arriving pilgrims at Pamba, Nilakkal, and other vital transit locations have reportedly encountered significant challenges, including inadequate drinking water, restrooms, transport, resting areas, and emergency medical services.

Devotees from neighboring states, particularly Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, have recounted troubling experiences, raising alarms over safety and basic human dignity.

Chennithala highlighted that the newly appointed Devaswom Board President, who took office just three days ago, expressed concern after witnessing the dire situation. While individual officials cannot bear the blame, the government holds both a constitutional and moral obligation to facilitate a smooth pilgrimage experience.

Questions have arisen concerning why Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan did not initiate preparatory meetings sooner or ensure inter-departmental coordination.

“The real victims of this negligence are the impoverished Ayyappa devotees,” Chennithala concluded, alleging intentional negligence towards pilgrimage management.