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Key Points

Congress leader V.D. Satheesan has defended the UDF's decision to boycott the government-supported Ayyappa Sangamam. He stated the boycott was a conscious political choice to reveal the ruling front's "real face" to believers. Satheesan posed three key questions to the Chief Minister regarding the Sabarimala issue and the government's sudden interest. He argued that participating would have reduced the UDF to ridicule, just like the CM, given the event's poor attendance.

Key Points: Satheesan Defends UDF Boycott of Ayyappa Sangamam Questions Vijayan

  • Satheesan defends boycott as a political move to expose government's pretentious devotion
  • Questions if government will withdraw its Supreme Court affidavit on Sabarimala
  • Asks why cases against devotees haven't been withdrawn by the state
  • Highlights the event's low turnout with only 600 of claimed 4200 attendees
2 min read

Congress defends UDF for boycotting Ayyappa Sangamam, questions CM Vijayan's 'sincerity'

Congress leader V.D. Satheesan defends UDF's boycott of the Ayyappa Sangamam, questioning CM Vijayan's sincerity on Sabarimala and the event's low turnout.

"We anticipated what the government was attempting, and we took a stand. - V.D. Satheesan"

Ernakulam, Sep 25

Congress leader V.D. Satheesan on Thursday defended the United Democratic Front's (UDF) decision to boycott the Ayyappa Sangamam organised with the support of the Pinarayi Vijayan government, asserting that the move was a conscious political choice aimed at exposing what he termed the state government's "pretentious devotion" ahead of elections.

Speaking to the media in Ernakulam, Satheesan said the opposition had a responsibility to reveal the ruling front's "real face" to believers.

He outlined three questions that the Chief Minister and the state government continue to "evade".

"Will the government withdraw the affidavit it filed in the Supreme Court on the Sabarimala issue? Will it withdraw the cases registered against thousands of devotees, including NSS workers and women? And why is a government that did nothing for Sabarimala's development for a decade suddenly rushing in with a master plan?" Satheesan asked.

He maintained that the government's record on Sabarimala is well known to the people and has not changed.

Community organisations, including the Nair Service Society (NSS), are entitled to take their own stand, he said, adding that the opposition respected such decisions.

Satheesan argued that if the UDF had participated, it would have been "reduced to ridicule" like the Chief Minister.

"The government claimed 4,200 participants, but only about 600 actually attended. People were brought in to deliver hate speeches. Should we have become witnesses to that?" he asked.

The Opposition Leader said the boycott was a considered political response, not an act of disrespect to faith.

"We anticipated what the government was attempting, and we took a stand. We will continue to remain firm in that decision," he said.

Incidentally, while the Vijayan government supported the first Ayyappa meeting held at Pampa, the BJP oversaw the holding of another one at Pandalam.

"We are not going to hold any such meetings," said veteran Congress legislator Ramesh Chennithala.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a devotee who visits Sabarimala every year, I appreciate Congress taking a stand. The government's affidavit in Supreme Court hurt many believers. Political parties shouldn't use faith for votes.
M
Michael C
Interesting how all parties are playing the religious card here. BJP organizing parallel event, Congress boycotting, LDF supporting - everyone seems to be calculating political gains rather than genuine devotion.
S
Shreya B
The low attendance numbers speak volumes! Only 600 out of claimed 4200 shows people see through this political drama. Good that UDF didn't participate in this farce. 🙏
A
Aman W
While I understand the political stance, boycotting religious events might not send the right message to devotees. Sometimes participation and raising concerns from within could be more effective.
N
Nisha Z
The three questions raised by Satheesan are crucial. Withdrawal of cases against devotees and the affidavit should be the first step if the government is truly sincere about respecting faith traditions.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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