'Government should support Sabarimala rituals in Supreme Court'; BJP to launch statewide protests over gold theft case

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has asked the Kerala government to take a stand in the Supreme Court of India supporting the protection of rituals at Sabarimala Temple. BJP state secretary S Suresh said the state government should change the affidavit it had earlier submitted in court. He also demanded that the government withdraw thousands of cases filed against devotees who protested to protect Sabarimala traditions when the government allegedly acted against temple customs.

Suresh further demanded a CBI probe into the alleged gold theft case, claiming it was carried out under the leadership of a CPM-Congress group. He said the BJP state election committee has decided to raise these three issues before the people of Kerala and organise strong protest programmes across the state.

The election committee also held detailed discussions about all 140 assembly constituencies in Kerala, including certain key constituencies. Talks were held with local leaders regarding potential candidates and the current political situation. Two state office-bearers visited all 14 districts and collected opinions from all 140 constituencies. These reports were submitted to the election committee and discussed in detail.

Suresh said the decisions of the state election committee will soon be sent to the Central Parliamentary Board. Discussions will also be held regarding the constituencies to be contested by the BJP and its NDA allies. After this, the final list will be submitted to the central leadership. The Central Parliamentary Board will then announce the BJP candidates.