Is the Political Controversy Over Kerala's Global Ayyappa Meet Justified?

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 3 (NationPress) The forthcoming Global Ayyappa Meet has ignited a political uproar in Kerala, with the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) accusing the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left government of attempting to gain political advantage through Sabarimala. Conversely, the ruling CPI(M) staunchly defends this initiative as a means to unite devotees against communal forces.

The Kerala government is poised to host the Global Ayyappa Meet on September 20, aimed at consolidating followers and showcasing the spiritual and cultural importance of Sabarimala.

Under the auspices of the Travancore Devaswom Board, the event has attracted national attention and incited political discourse.

Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan claimed the government is trying to manipulate the devotion of followers for electoral benefits.

He stated that the UDF has not made a decision to boycott the event but has raised essential inquiries that the government needs to address first.

“Will the government retract the affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court that facilitated the disruption of traditions at Sabarimala? Will it dismiss the ongoing cases against those who protested, including namajapa processions, to safeguard temple customs?” Satheesan queried.

The UDF, he emphasized, will announce its stance on participation only after receiving satisfactory responses from the government. UDF convenor Adoor Prakash was also in attendance at the press conference.

In stark opposition, CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan asserted that the party has consistently supported devotees and will persist in doing so.

At a memorial event in Chempazhanthy on Wednesday, he declared that the Global Ayyappa Meet is not intended to promote communal elements but rather to unite believers on a progressive platform.

“The Ayyappa meet has our complete endorsement. This is part of opposing communalism, not endorsing it,” he stated.

Govindan also clarified that the decision to organize the meet was made by the Travancore Devaswom Board. He reiterated that intertwining religion with political power is a form of communalism, and stressed that the Communist Party will never ally with such factions.

On the contentious subject of women’s entry into Sabarimala, he mentioned it as a “chapter that has passed,” though not a “closed chapter,” and chose not to elaborate further.

The contrasting perspectives underscore how Sabarimala and related religious matters continue to influence Kerala’s political landscape.

While the UDF accuses the government of duplicity and demands clarification on past actions, the CPI(M) seeks to position itself as a party that stands with believers while opposing communal division.