What Did LoP Satheesan Say About the Chaos at Sabarimala?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
V.D. Satheesan, the Leader of Opposition, has sharply criticized the Kerala government and the Travancore Devaswom Board for their handling of the Sabarimala pilgrimage season, describing the situation as chaotic. He demands immediate action to improve conditions and calls for intervention from the Kerala High Court.
Key Takeaways
- Long wait times for devotees at Sabarimala.
- Inadequate facilities reported during the pilgrimage.
- Government criticized for lack of planning and management.
- Calls for Kerala High Court intervention to address the crisis.
- Political implications related to previous campaigns for Sabarimala development.
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 18 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, has vehemently criticized the Kerala government and the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) for their significant administrative shortcomings during the ongoing Sabarimala pilgrimage season.
He pointed out that merely weeks after the gold theft scandal, the authorities have now created chaos during the pilgrimage, leading to a situation described as “alarming” by the Devaswom Board president.
“Countless Ayyappa devotees have been left standing in lines for 12 to 13 hours, with many unable to complete their pilgrimage. Those fortunate enough to secure a darshan were unable to reach the sacred 18 holy steps due to extreme crowding. The absence of traffic control and crowd management within the nadapanthal resulted in pilgrims being stuck and unable to proceed. Essential facilities such as drinking water, rest areas, and medical assistance were either insufficient or completely lacking, showcasing a total breakdown in planning,” stated Satheesan.
He further accused both the government and the Devaswom Board of irresponsibility for not deploying sufficient police and administrative personnel to manage the overwhelming influx of devotees.
“It’s astonishing that the government claims the Model Code of Conduct hindered preparations, as planning for the pilgrimage should have commenced months in advance, well before the code was implemented,” he remarked.
Satheesan dismissed this defense as ridiculous, asserting that the government is attempting to mask its inefficiency with procedural excuses.
He also claimed that those who previously campaigned for Sabarimala development have now left millions of Ayyappa devotees in a state of distress.
Moreover, he held the former Devaswom Board, led by P.S. Prashanth — who faces allegations in the gold heist case — equally responsible for the current crisis.
“The troubling circumstances at Sabarimala have been evident since the pilgrimage season began. Immediate emergency actions to restore order, enhance basic amenities, and ensure the safety of devotees are imperative. We require intervention from the Kerala High Court,” Satheesan added.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the gravity of the situation at Sabarimala. The complaints raised by the Leader of Opposition highlight systemic failures that could have been avoided with better planning and communication. The safety and experience of pilgrims should always be a priority, and immediate actions are necessary to address these concerns.
NationPress
18/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main issues highlighted by V.D. Satheesan?
Satheesan pointed out the chaotic conditions during the pilgrimage, with long waiting times for devotees and inadequate facilities.
What does Satheesan demand from the Kerala High Court?
He has called for immediate intervention to restore order and improve conditions for the devotees.
