Kerala BJP state general secretary Anoop Antony on Thursday, 15 October 2025, announced that the party would oppose the proposed doubling of the Sabarimala virtual queue booking fee — from ₹5 to ₹10 — through both legal challenges and organisational protests. The declaration comes weeks before the annual two-month pilgrimage season is set to begin next month at the iconic hill shrine.

The Proposed Fee Hike and What It Means for Devotees

The Travancore Devaswom Board, which administers the Sabarimala temple, is seeking to raise the virtual queue booking fee to ₹10 per slot, reportedly to fund free toilet facilities at the shrine. The fee was originally introduced free of charge before a ₹5 charge was levied; the proposed hike would double that amount.

Antony argued that the increase would impose an 'additional financial burden' on devotees, particularly those visiting in families or large groups, where the cumulative cost of booking slots adds up significantly. He questioned whether the board had the standing to promise free toilets when even its existing paid facilities were, according to him, poorly maintained and often lacking water.

BJP's Allegations Against the Travancore Devaswom Board

The Kerala BJP levelled several charges against the board beyond the fee dispute. Antony cited what he described as controversies surrounding the alleged theft of gold and other valuable articles at the shrine, accusing the board of failing to protect devotees' interests while simultaneously seeking to grow its revenue through additional charges.

'On what basis can the board promise free toilets when even its paid facilities are not properly maintained?' Antony asked. He added that the board should openly acknowledge its limitations if it cannot deliver the required infrastructure.

The party also warned that accepting this hike could set a precedent for further increases in pilgrimage-related charges, eroding the affordability of the Sabarimala pilgrimage over time.

BJP's Offer and Organisational Stand

In a pointed message to the board, Antony stated that the BJP and the Union government were prepared to facilitate the provision of necessary facilities at the shrine free of charge. 'The BJP and the Union government are ready to help provide the necessary facilities free of charge. The board should first acknowledge its inability to do so,' he said.

The party has warned it will launch legal proceedings and organise protests if the board moves ahead with the fee revision. Antony affirmed that the BJP would 'stand with Sabarimala devotees and fight to protect their rights.'

Context: Sabarimala's History of Controversy

The Sabarimala temple has been a recurring flashpoint in Kerala politics, drawing national attention over issues ranging from women's entry to the management of the shrine's finances and infrastructure. The pilgrimage season draws millions of devotees each year, making administrative decisions by the Travancore Devaswom Board highly consequential for a large cross-section of Hindu pilgrims. Critics argue that recurring complaints about inadequate sanitation and missing valuables reflect deeper governance gaps within the board.

With the pilgrimage season approaching, the BJP's mobilisation signals that the fee hike is unlikely to pass without significant political resistance.