Minister Radhakrishnan labels those who removed 'mala' and went back as fake devotees, claims there is deliberate campaign to destroy Sabarimala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister K Radhakrishnan, in reply to Vincent MLA's remark that the recently concluded Sabarimala pilgrimage season was miserable, said that those who removed 'mala' (bead chain) and went back were fake devotees. "No true devotee ever goes back without performing darshan. The police have intervened well to control the traffic. If the police had not intervened, the difficulties would have been different. The police have taken proper precautions," Minister K Radhakrishnan said.

"A high power Committee has been formed for the projects of the Sabarimala Master Plan and the work is in progress. Many projects are going on at Sabarimala. However, there are obstacles in land acquisition", he added.

Vincent MLA said that this year's pilgrimage season was miserable due to unnecessary restrictions and pilgrims had to take off mala at Pampa and return without darshan.

The minister also replied to the question of Jenish Kumar MLA whether action has been taken against the propaganda to destroy Sabarimala. "An attempt was made to propagate fake narratives about Sabarimala. Cases have been taken. Some fake propaganda is going on to destroy Sabarimala. A video emerged claiming that the devotees were beaten up. There were propagandas causing concern, including the death of a child. This has been alleviated with the initiation of investigation and filing of cases through the Cyber Cell," Minister Radhakrishnan said.

"Accommodation needs to be developed. More land will have to be acquired for this. This requires the help of the Centre. Hopefully, they will do the needful. There are suspicions regarding a deliberate campaign to destroy Sabarimala. The violence in Andhra was falsely propagated as having taken place at Sabarimala", he added.