THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Strong protest erupted from all quarters for the caste discrimination faced by Minister K Radhakrishnan at Payyanur’s Nambyathra Kovval, Shiva Temple. The shameful incident happened during an event convened to mark the inauguration of the temple porch(Nadapanthal). The head priest refused to hand over the lamp to Minister Radhakrishnan but placed the lamp on the ground for him to collect.

"In a land where diabolic superstitions were burnt to ashes under the leadership of revivalist leaders, a minister himself faced the misfortune of caste discrimination and it is a shame nevertheless." Minister V. Sivankutty and Leader of Opposition V. D. Satheesan backed no punches and reacted sternly against the discrimination. DYFI and other youth organizations have come forward with a warning to protest if needed.

The social media also criticized the discrimination faced by the minister as a shame for the Kerala society.

The incident according to the minister:

The statement was made while inaugurating the state representative conference of the Bharatiya Velan Society.

“ I went to a temple for an inauguration. The chief priest headed straight to me with a lamp but thought twice after seeing me. Without giving me the fire lamp, the priest lighted all the 'Villaku'. Maybe it was part of the tradition. I stood away so as not to hurt his sentiments. Later the head priest passed the lamp to his subordinate priest but not me. I took the mic on the same event and exposed the discrimination. If I give money to the temple, there is no untouchability. But if I light a lamp, everything will crumble down.” the minister said.