THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: During the Nama Japa Yatra by the NSS, which alleged that Speaker AN Shamsir's controversial statement had offended faith, protests erupted. Thousands, including women, rallied. The presence of Congress and BJP leaders also added a political dimension.

The Nama Japa Yatra was held as part of the Faith Protection Day celebrations called by NSS General Secretary G Sukumaran Nair. The procession started from Palayam Ganapati Temple at around 5:30 PM. 172 Karayogams participated under the auspices of the Thiruvananthapuram Taluk NSS Union. One side of the road was completely full.

Ganesha Sharanam... Sharanam Ganesha... was also sung. It took two hours to cover two and a half kilometers from Palayam to Eastfort Pazhavangadi. The protestors returned after visiting Pazhavangadi Ganpati temple. NSS Vice President M Sangeet Kumar, Taluk Union Vice President M Karthikeyan Nair, Secretary Viju V Nair, Inspector Vinodkumar, Shastamangalam Mohanan, Gopinathan Nair, Raghukumar, former MLA Vattiyoorkavu Ravi, Congress leaders Thambanoor Satish and GV Hari attended.

Under the leadership of M Sangeet Kumar, 101 coconuts were broken at Pazhavangadi Ganapati temple. Taluk Union Vice President M Karthikeyan Nair, KR Vijayakumar, B Raghukumar, KP Parameswaranath, K Ravindran Nair, G Vinod Kumar and others were also present. Under the leadership of Taluk Unions and Karayogams of the district, darshan and offerings were made at Ganesha temples

Other motives: M Sangeet Kumar

NSS Vice President M Sangeet Kumar said after the Nama Japa Yatra that there are other motives behind the offending of faith. NSS decided to hold the protest 10 days after the Speaker's statement. The Speaker's statement offended faith. Better if CPM corrects the mistake. Let them decide whether to apologize in a statement. He said that NSS has come forward whenever there was an approach that offends faith.