Lapse in letting Ayyappa devotees climb Pathinettam Padi: Devaswom Minister faces ban from Election Commission

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM/SABARIMALA: The number of people climbing the Pathinettam Padi should be increased to at least 80 to 90 as the crowd at Sannidhanam increases. The number of people climbing the steps has been between 40 and 50 since yesterday morning. This also caused the crowd to increase.

The ambulance carrying patients from Sannidhanam to Pampa got stuck in traffic for about 40 minutes at two places. The policemen were also confused, not knowing what to do. The policemen on duty at Pathinettam Padi went down to the courtyard and stopped the devotees from entering Pathinettam Padi en masse. The devotees pushed the policemen and moved forward. The crowd got out of control by 12 noon. The crowd only eased a little after the temple nada opened at 3 pm after the ucha puja.

Devaswom Minister Banned

Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan is not allowed to call an official meeting related to the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Officials should meet if necessary. The minister is also banned from speaking to the media. Although VN Vasavan approached the Election Commission two days ago seeking permission to call an official meeting, the permission was denied. The Election Commission has reportedly informed the minister in writing.

Ridiculous, says Satheesan

Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan said that the government's claim that the code of conduct, which came into effect a few days ago, has hindered preparations that should have started months ago, is ridiculous.

"The same miscreants who organised the Ayyappa Sangamam with political motives in the name of developing Sabarimala disrupted this year's pilgrimage. The government and the Devaswom Minister should at least be prepared to take responsibility for causing misery to lakhs of Ayyappa devotees."