THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM politburo member S Ramachandran Pillai said the Sabarimala issue has been settled. He said the Supreme Court has to take a decision on Sabarimala. The NSS has a democratic freedom to criticise, he said.

LDF convener A Vijayaraghavan said the statement of Minister Kadakampally Surendran on Sabarimala issue should not be made controversy. The party had earlier clarified their stand on Sabarimala issue. There is no change in it, Vijayaraghavan said.

Minister Kadakampally Surendran virtually expressed regret over the incidents that took place in Sabarimala over the women entry issue and described it as something which should never have happened. The congress and the BJP termed it as minister’s crocodile tears. Many including the Pandalam royal family and the NSS came to the fore against the minister.