'Ayyappa Sangamam is political hypocrisy, government complicated Sabarimala'; UDF clarifies stand

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition leader V D Satheesan said the Global Ayyappa Sangamam is a political hypocrisy. He also said that the pilgrimage became more complicated after this government came to power. Satheesan was clarifying his stand on the Global Ayyappa Sangamam. He also demanded the government to respond to the UDF's questions.

‘The Global Ayyappa Sangamam to be organized by the government is a political hypocrisy. This is a fake Ayyappa Sangamam. The CPM complicated the Sabarimala issue. The government has been complicit in violating the rituals by editing the affidavit filed by the UDF in connection with the Supreme Court's verdict. That affidavit still remains. The cases filed in connection with the peaceful protests, including the Namajapa procession held to prevent the violations of rituals in Sabarimala, have not been withdrawn yet. Is the government ready to withdraw those cases?

The pilgrimage has been in crisis since this government came to power. This is a government that has not lifted a finger regarding the development of Sabarimala. When Oommen Chandy was the chief minister, 112 acres of land was acquired for the development of Sabarimala. A lot of development work was done. The government has not done anything in Sabarimala for the last nine and a half years. With the elections approaching, some projects are being brought forward. The chief minister and those concerned should answer these questions.

Will the affidavit in favor of women's entry be withdrawn? Kerala has become the state with the highest retail inflation in the last seven months. The distribution of ration products is constantly being disrupted. Those with yellow cards have not even received their Onam kit properly. The government has not taken any steps to control price rise. If replied to our questions, invite us to Ayyappa Sangamam. We have no objection to religious organizations participating. That is all their opinion. My name was included in the organizing committee without permission,' said Satheesan.