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The Kerala government convened an all-party meeting here on Thursday to discuss the situation arising out of the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision to hear review petitions in the Sabarimala case on January 22 while refusing to grant a stay on its original verdict.
The meeting is scheduled for 11 am, and later in the afternoon, the Chief Minister will have a separate audience with the representatives of the Pandalam Palace, linked with the Lord Ayyappa’s legacy.
The Palace had turned down the Chief Minister’s overtures in September after he expressed the resolve to implement the SC’s order that allowed access to the temple to women of all ages. He also refused to file a review petition. Traditionally, women between the ages of 10 and 50 are not allowed to visit the shrine.
It is learnt that the Tantri (high priest) family of Sabarimala was also invited for discussions on Thursday. The Nair Service Society, a prominent Hindu organisation, also responded favourably to the Chief Minister’s call.
BJP’s participation
The BJP said it needs to consult with the NDA constituents before deciding to participate.
On the two occasions since September 28, when the temple opened for rituals, chaos and riots were witnessed as Sangh Parivar activists protested attempts by a few young women pilgrims escorted by the police to reach the premises of the sanctum.
The temple is scheduled to open on Friday for the annual Mandalapuja-Makaravilakku fesitval, which attracts crores of devotees from across the country.
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