NewKerala.com

Key Points

The Congress party has strongly criticized Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's Global Ayyappa Summit, calling it a political ploy for majority appeasement. Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan accused the CPI-M of weaponizing communalism after their parliamentary defeat. The BJP joined the attack, condemning both Vijayan and Tamil Nadu CM Stalin for allegedly insulting Hindu traditions. The summit is scheduled for September 20 on the banks of Pampa River near Sabarimala temple.

Key Points: Congress Slams Vijayan Global Ayyappa Summit as CPI-M Communalism

  • Congress accuses CPI-M of exploiting Sabarimala for communal politics
  • Opposition warns Left faces Bengal-like defeat in Kerala
  • BJP attacks Vijayan and Stalin for insulting Hindu traditions
  • Summit scheduled September 20 on Pampa River near Sabarimala
2 min read

Now Congress slams Global Ayyappa Summit called by Kerala CM Vijayan

Kerala Congress accuses CM Vijayan's Global Ayyappa Summit of majority appeasement, warning CPI-M faces Bengal-like fate for using faith as political weapon.

"The CPI-M is using Sabarimala's name for majority appeasement - V.D. Satheesan"

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 26

The upcoming Global Ayyappa Summit, planned as part of the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), has triggered a political storm in Kerala.

On Tuesday, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan accused the ruling CPI-M of organising the event to appease majority communal sentiments.

"The CPI-M is using Sabarimala's name for majority appeasement. This newfound devotion began only after its parliamentary poll defeat. Now they are clinging to Lord Ayyappa, making communalism their political weapon, even moving in tandem with the Sangh Parivar," Satheesan said.

He warned that the CPI-M's move was "like scratching one's head with fire", adding that what happened to the Left in Bengal awaited them in Kerala.

"We know nothing about this so-called Ayyappa congregation," he said.

The Global Ayyappa Summit is scheduled for September 20 on the banks of the sacred Pampa River near Sabarimala.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the event, conceived as one of the largest spiritual congregations in South India.

Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan formally extended invitations to political leaders, including the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, during a visit to Chennai.

However, Chief Minister Stalin later conveyed his inability to attend due to prior commitments.

Instead, Tamil Nadu Ministers P.K. Sekarbabu and Palanivel Thiaga Rajan will represent the state government at the event.

Meanwhile, the BJP also sharpened its attack.

Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar accused both Vijayan and Stalin of repeatedly insulting Sabarimala traditions and Hindu devotees.

"Pinarayi Vijayan jailed and assaulted Ayyappa devotees, while Stalin and his son Udhayanidhi have called Hindu faith a virus. This Ayyappa event is nothing but an election drama," Chandrasekhar wrote in a Facebook post.

He added that the CPI-M leaders could attend only if they apologised to Hindus and Ayyappa bhakts.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a regular Ayyappa devotee, I welcome any event that promotes our spiritual traditions. But the timing does seem suspicious after their electoral defeat. Hope this is genuine devotion and not political drama.
S
Sarah B
Living in Kerala for 5 years, I've seen how religion and politics mix here. The same parties that criticized religious events are now organizing them. Very confusing for outsiders like me!
A
Arjun K
The BJP and Congress are both playing politics here. CPI-M's sudden interest in Ayyappa does seem like an attempt to connect with Hindu voters after their poor performance. But ultimately, if it helps promote our culture, maybe it's okay?
M
Meera T
As a woman devotee who has been to Sabarimala, I just want peace and devotion. All these political statements create unnecessary tension. Let the event happen and let people decide for themselves.
V
Vikram M
The hypocrisy is astounding! The same leaders who supported actions against devotees during the Sabarimala protests are now organizing Ayyappa events. People are not fools - they can see through this political opportunism.

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