Sabarimala row: Don’t use Lord Ayappa for media attention: Union minister K J Alphons

New Delhi: Taking a pot-shot at women activist seeking entry into Sabarimala temple, Union minister K J Alphons said that organized attempts are being made against the holy shrine.

Questioning the intentions of ‘Muslim’ and a ‘Christian’ women right activist, Alphons maintained that Women who wanted to enter the Sabarimala temple are least interested in Lord Ayappa but more inclined towards the media attention and publicity.

Referring to the peaceful spirit of Kerala, the Minister opined that one should refrain from divisive moves that will spoil the social harmony. He further added that everybody should practice their respective religion freely but unnecessary interventions are highly unacceptable.

On October 17, for the first time after the Supreme Court verdict, the gates of Sabarimala temple were opened for women belonging to all age groups but clashes between women activist and Lord Ayappa devotees had trigged the problem of law and order in the state. According to media reports, Vijayan led LDF government so far has booked arrested 3,505 people under the charges of disruptions.

Recently,  BJP National President Amit Shah in his public rally slammed Chief Minister Vijayan for hurting the sentiments of Hindus. He went on claiming that the Left government was deliberately fuelling the Sabarimala drive.