Inquilab calls and communist flag during music program at temple festival: Protest spreading like wildfire

KOLLAM: Protests are intensifying over the incident of calling out "Inquilab" and displaying party flags during a music program held as part of the Thiruvathira festival at the Kadakkal Devi temple. The flags of the CPM and DYFI were displayed on the stage after revolutionary songs were sung on the stage.

Congress and BJP alleged that this was part of an attempt to destroy rituals. Congress has decided to approach the court against the attempt to make the temple festival a campaign event for CPM. BJP Kollam East District President Raji Prasad alleged that this was an attempt by CPM to encroach on temples. Youth Congress State Vice President Vishnu Sunil Pandalam and District Vice President Adarsh ​​Bhargavan filed a complaint with the Travancore Devaswom Board President demanding action against the temple advisory committee.

The incident took place during the music program by Ghazal singer Aloshi Adams on the 10th. Revolutionary songs like 'Pushpane Ariyamo' and 'Nooru Pookkale' were sung on the stage. Meanwhile, images of the flags of the CPM and DYFI prepared in advance were projected on the LED screen on the stage and the CPM workers in the audience were shouting the slogan 'Inquilab Zindabad'.

The 'Ganamela' was sponsored by the Kadakkal Area Committee and Madathara Unit Committee of the Vyapaari Vyasayi Samiti, a feeder organization of the CPM. The temple advisory committee and the festival committee are dominated by local CPM leaders. The CPM branch secretary is the president of the advisory committee.

Devaswom Board seeks explanation

The Travancore Devaswom Board has sought an explanation from the Temple Advisory Committee on the incident. The Travancore Devaswom Board is responsible for implementing the High Court order that symbols or flags of political, caste and religious organizations should not be displayed in temples and temple premises. It has also been informed that the Temple Advisory Committees and temple employees should be vigilant to comply with this order.

There is nothing wrong with singing revolutionary songs. However, we do not justify displaying the party flag and symbols.

-S. Vikas, President,

Temple Advisory Committee

Something that should not have happened has happened. A preliminary inquiry has been conducted in this regard. If the party flags and symbols were displayed deliberately, strict action will be taken against the advisory committee.

-J. Unnikrishnan Nair,

Asst. Devaswom Commissioner, Punalur

The revolutionary songs were sung as per the demand of the audience. The temple advisory committee did not specifically ask for any songs. It is the responsibility of the singer to sing what the audience likes.

- Aloshi Adams,

Ghazal singer

This is part of the CPM's attempt to help the BJP in Kerala. Is there no other place to sing revolutionary songs? Should the devotees be asked whether they know Pushpan?

- V.D. Satheesan,

Leader of the Opposition