Kerala UDF opposes government-backed Ayyappa Summit, cites ‘political hypocrisy’

Thiruvananthapuram: Opposition leader of Kerala, VD Satheesan, has said that the UDF will not support the global Ayyappa summit being held with the backing of state government.

“The Ayyappa Sangamam is a political hypocrisy. The UDF will not boycott it. We have no objection to any religious organisation participating. Let the government answer our questions; then the invitation is enough,” Satheesan said.

He noted that the revival committee has not been dissolved and that cases filed during the women’s entry period at Sabarimala have not been withdrawn. Satheesan criticised those who suppressed protests by Ayyappa devotees using the police and are now organising the Ayyappa Sangamam.

Satheesan also alleged that his name was included in the organising committee without his consent. “My name was included in the organising committee without my permission. The Devaswom Board president came here without checking if I was available. He arrived while I was eating, handed me a letter and left. What does it mean to say that I did not want to meet him? He did not wait to see me. If he comes again, I am ready to meet him,” Satheesan said.

The opposition leader questioned whether the Kerala government is ready to withdraw the affidavit filed in the Supreme Court that supports the violation of traditional customs at Sabarimala.

He also accused the government, which he said has neglected Sabarimala’s development, of holding the Ayyappa Sangamam ahead of elections after not organising it for nine years.

“The affidavit filed in the Supreme Court is against Ayyappa devotees. The government, by supporting the violation of customs, is challenging common sense. It should be investigated whether the special Ayyappa devotion that appears around election time is being politicised. The opposition has a responsibility to expose the hypocrisy of the government. Are 3,000 people really discussing the master plan of Sabarimala together? By the time that document comes out, a new government will be in power,” Satheesan added.