Rajeev Chandrasekhar insulting devotees by politicising Global Ayyappa Summit; Minister lashes out at BJP state president

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister V. Sivankutty has come down heavily on BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar. He alleged that Rajeev Chandrasekhar was insulting the devotees by attempting to politicise the Global Ayyappa Summit.

The minister stated that the Global Ayyappa Summit is a program that reflects the unity of devotees. According to him, Rajeev Chandrasekhar made the remarks with political motives at a time when the believer community are supporting the summit and moving forward by embracing the essence of the philosophy of “Tat Tvam Asi”.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar had earlier said that the Global Ayyappa Summit, scheduled for September 20, was a political drama. He questioned whether the summit was being organised only to win Hindu votes in the coming elections and had sharply criticised the Chief Minister. Minister Sivankutty’s remarks came in response to this.

Minister’s words:

'Rajeev Chandrasekhar is insulting the Ayyappa devotees by attempting to politicise the Global Ayyappa Summit. The summit represents the unity of believers. While devotees are supporting the summit and moving forward by embracing the essence of ‘Tat Tvam Asi’, it is clear that Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s criticisms are politically motivated.

His statements reveal his ignorance and lack of understanding of Kerala’s social and cultural background. Kerala’s spirituality and devotion do not belong to any single political party or individual. They are the shared heritage of all people. Without realising this, describing the Ayyappa Summit as a political drama is an insult to the believer community.'