'Thrissur Police Commissioner tried to mess up Pooram with Pinarayi's knowledge'; K Surendran criticizes

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJP state president K Surendran stated that City Police Commissioner Ankit Ashok attempted to disrupt Thrissur Pooram with the knowledge of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Surendran deemed it objectionable that the Chief Minister, who also serves as the Home Minister, failed to respond despite the police's efforts to obstruct Pooram, which is Kerala's pride showcased to the world.

Immediate action should be taken against the City Police Commissioner for obstructing the umbrellas of Lord Rama brought for the 'kudamattam'. The Pinarayi government is developing a pattern of disrespecting Lord Rama and Hindus. The commissioner even prevented the transportation of the food intended for the elephants.

The Commissioner's actions indicate a significant collusion to destabilize Pooram. The government's stance on Thrissur Pooram has been hostile from the outset, reminiscent of its approach towards Sabarimala.

With the Lok Sabha elections nearing, elected officials are dismayed by the unnecessary police restrictions on Thrissur Pooram. Minister K Rajan strongly opposed the Forest Department's stringent conditions prior to Pooram. Frontline leaders are also protesting the police's disappointing handling of firecrackers.

Police intervention caused tension even as Tiruvambadi Bhagawathy was preparing for Pooram in the morning. Devaswom officials were prohibited from accompanying the elephants. Roads were blocked, inconveniencing the public.

Police also intervened during the Panchavadyam at the Mutt, rejecting committee members, including a North Temple priest who attempted to offer water to an elephant from the Paramekkavu section.

Thiruvambadi Devaswom has warned of severe protests if officials face unnecessary restrictions in the next Pooram. Last year, there was significant backlash against the city police commissioner's use of force during Pooram. The Thiruvambadi section emphasized that such actions would not be tolerated this year either.