CHENGANNUR: The devaswom board and the state government have proved that they are not with the devotees through their stand taken when the review pleas on women entry in Sabarimala were considered, said Sasikumara Varma, a representative of Pandalam Palace. The delay in the verdict raises concern, he added. The government and the board took a favourable stand based on equality.

The board supported the verdict of the apex court which had allowed women of all age groups to enter the shrine. The board told a five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi that it is high time that a particular class not be discriminated on the grounds of biological attributes. The government has cheated the people of the state. The government's real stand is out now. He further added that he fears that Sabarimala will be made a riot land, Varma said.

Meantime, a team led by Pandalam Palace had conducted a prayer meet in front of the Thiruvabharana Malika when the court considered the review pleas today. Moolam Thirunal Raghava Varma Raja lit the traditional lamp. Pandalam Palace representative Sasikumara Varma, Narayana Varma and many others took part in the prayer meet.