The Bharath Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS), prominent member of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Kerala, said it will support the mass protests against the Supreme Court verdict allowing entry of women all ages into the Sabarimala shrine.

This comes a day after its ideological parent, Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam — represents the backward but numerically powerful Ezhavas —denounced the protests.

BDJS speaks out

Thushar spoke at the launch of the ‘long march’ from Pandalam to the Sabrimala shrine, while the Congress working president for Kerala, K Sudhakaran, took to the stage at a location not too far away.

The BDJS leader, Thushar Vellappally, who spoke at the launch of the ‘long march’ from Pandalam to the Sabrimala shrine, said by the time the march reaches Thiruvananthapuram, it will “acquire the aggression and ferocity of the tiger” that Lord Ayyappa rides.

It should open the eyes of the State government for messing up a golden opportunity to settle the issue for lakhs of Ayyappa devotees.

Congress warns

The SNDP supremo, Vellappally Natesan, had derided the protesters ‘spearheaded by the BJP’ and praised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s handling of the issue.

He said that the Chief Minister had an open mind, but was under obligation to execute an order passed by the apex court.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Sudhakaran said neither the police nor the Army will be allowed to step inside if the devotees decide uniteand resist.

Courts cannot pass judgment in matters of faith, belief or traditions pertaining to a Hindu temple. Only the respective high priests can.

He said the Congress will not allow any attempt to convert Sabarimala as a tourist attraction. “The Left Front government was naive enough to secure the apex court verdict by flagging gender parity,” he added.

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