BJP is with Bhagwan Ayyappa’s devotees, says Amit Shah in Kerala

On Saturday, the BJP chief Amit Shah inaugurated party’s new office in Kannur district of Kerala. The party president also addressed rally of his party workers. In his invigorating speech, Amit Shah launched a blistering attack against the incumbent Communist government of the state and their callously adamant attitude against the Bhagwan Ayyappa devotees on Sabarimala Temple verdict. Amit Shah said, “The Kerala government in the name of Supreme Court’s judgment is creating a rift, but my question is why only this judgment? There are so many judgments that you don’t follow such as Jallikattu and others. Why only Sabarimala judgment? They have created an atmosphere of emergency in Kerala.”

It is not an exaggeration to say that there is an emergency like situation in Kerala. So far, Kerala Police has arrested more than 2,000 people in a crackdown on those allegedly involved in the peaceful protests against the decision of Supreme Court allowing entry of women into the Sabarimala temple.

Suresh Kumar and Anoj Kumar of the Sabarimala Achara Samrakshana Samithi had knocked on the doors of high court, claiming that unlawful arrests were being made by police. In their petition, they alleged that even peaceful protestors were being targeted and harassed. They further claimed that in some cases police were manufacturing case against devotees after taking them into the custody.  The two petitioners told the court that the police harassed even those devotees who participated in the “Nama Japa Yajnam” (chanting of Ayyappa mantras). So far, 450 cases have been registered.

The BJP President further said, “The Kerala government with their powers tried to remove the real devotees from inside the Sabarimala temple who fought for their right. This is a conspiracy by the state government to divide the people in the name of religion. The state govt should not try to hurt the feelings of the devotees of Lord Ayyappa. In the name of court judgment, those who want to create violence, let me tell you there are various temples which run on different rules and norms. In Sabarimala temple the women entry is not allowed and also there are many temples in India where women are allowed and men are not allowed. Kerala govt, pay attention to the development of the state and Lord Ayyappa will take care of his devotees. You don’t have to worry about that.”

Amit Shah has made it very clear that the BJP is with the devotees of Bhagwan Ayyappa that his party respects their sentiments and traditions. Prohibition of entry of women of a particular age group inside the temple is not discrimination and has nothing to do with the patriarchal mindset. If Women in the bracket of 10-50 age group (having reproductive capabilities) accept terms and conditions with respect to Sabarimala Temple; then they are also participating in the worship of Bhagwan Ayyappa.

 He further added, “If you (ruling government) don’t listen and still carry on with your step, the BJP workers will make sure you will be put down by them. The BJP workers of Kerala will stand with the devotees of Ayyappa at all cost. LDF and UDF are trying to destroy our culture and development. And the development of Kerala is possible only under the leadership of PM Modi. For the protection of our culture, our struggle is still on. Join hands with BJP to preserve our culture.”

Amit Shah ended his speech with chants of ‘Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa’ and ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’. The BJP supporters were demanding that any senior leader of the BJP should speak on Sabarimala issue and today the party president fulfilled their demand.