PARAVUR: General Secretary Vellappally Natesan told the media that the Ayyappa Sangam will help in the growth of Sabarimala and other temples, and the SNDP Yogam will support the Sangam.

“It would be good if we could spread the relevance of Sabarimala globally and attract devotees. If more devotees visit Sabarimala, the lives of ordinary people living in connection with the temple will improve. The government has said that things will be done by maintaining the traditions. It is being taken at face value. The government and the Devaswom Board do not have an agenda for women’s entry at the moment. We also believe that women should not be allowed to enter.

The BJP’s allegation that non-believers and ministers are holding the Ayyappa Sangam for political gain is baseless. A good percentage of communists go to Sabarimala. The problems at Sabarimala also need to be resolved. There is no parking facility there. The government and the Travancore Devaswom Board should create an environment where devotees can come and go without any difficulty.

Many innocent people involved in cases related to the entry of women have faced difficulties, including being prevented from going abroad for work. It is my personal opinion that the government should withdraw these cases, said Vellappally Natesan.

At the Karimpadam branch office inauguration, Vellappally Natesan said that the political parties that grew by getting the votes and money of the Ezhavas are ignoring them. “The parties are not ready to solve or protect the sufferings and losses of the Ezhavas. The minorities who bought ten cents of tenancy with us have become Kuberas. The Ezhavas have sold the land they got and become NREGA workers,” Vellappally said.