'Visit temple only if ready to comply with customs, rituals'; Min Ganesh Kumar responds

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister KB Ganesh Kumar responded to the current hot topic of male devotees being compelled to remove shirts to enter temple shrines in Kerala. The minister said the final word of any reform would be from the chief tantric of the temple.

“People ready to abide by the customs and rituals should visit temples. Others need not waste time. If the administrators have suggestions, they can consult with Tantric” said the Minister.

Ganesh Kumar's response is contrary to CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s statement as the latter demanded reforms to end the age-old archaic practices in temples. The CM delved into the issue while talking at the Sivagiri conference. The CM also hinted at the need for society's intervention to end such practices in temples. The topic grabbed headlines after the NSS general secretary came with a rebuttal to the CM’s stance.

At the same time, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala distanced from commenting on the issue. The Congress leader left the issue for the respective religious community organizations to decide.