Don't send those reluctant to receive 'theertha' and fold their hands to temples: K Surendran in response to Govindan's remarks

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJP state president K Surendran took to Facebook to respond to CPM state secretary MV Govindan's remark that temples should be managed by believers, and places of worship should not be managed by the RSS, which uses faith as a tool. In his post, Surendran took a dig at MV Govindan that it is good that he got the realization that the temples should be maintained by the believers. He also said that the Devaswom minister, chairman, members and employees the government appoint to manage the temples need to be made believers first.

"At least after the election MV Govindan got the realization that the temples should be maintained by the believers. But the first thing you need to do is to make the Devaswom minister, chairman, members and employees who you appoint to manage the temples into believers. Do not send those who turn their back when the doors of the shrine open, those who are reluctant to receive 'theertha' (holy water), and those who hesitate to fold their hands (a symbol of respect) in front of the deity. Don't test the patience of Hindus any more," Surendran said.

Govindan made remarks about believers and temples while inaugurating the district conference of agricultural workers in Mavoor on Wednesday. "CPM stands with believers and non-believers. Believers are not communalists. Communalists are not believers as well," Govindan said.