BJP Urges Pinarayi, Stalin to Apologize Before Attending Sabarimala Event

Quick Summary

• Kerala BJP State president, Rajiv Chandrasekhar, cautioned Chief Ministers Pinarayi Vijayan (Kerala) and M.K. Stalin (Tamil Nadu) against attending the “Global Ayyappa Sangamam” at Pampa in Sabarimala on September 10, without apologizing to Hindus.
• In a social media post, Chandrasekhar accused both leaders of insulting Hindu traditions and warned of resistance from BJP workers if they attended without offering apologies.
• He demanded that Vijayan apologize for actions during the contentious 2018 Save Sabarimala campaign, including cases filed against Ayyappa devotees and alleged violations of temple traditions.
• Similarly, Stalin and his son Udhayanidhi where asked to seek forgiveness from Hindus for derogatory remarks allegedly made about their faith.
• The Save Sabarimala movement in 2018 had seen large-scale agitation over the Supreme Court’s order permitting women of childbearing age entry into the temple. Protestors clashed with police amid widespread unrest resulting in arrests and injuries.
• Chandrasekhar criticized Kerala’s Communist government for hosting the event months before elections as part of a “fool-the-people strategy.”

Indian Opinion Analysis

This development highlights deep political divides centered around religious sentiments tied to Sabarimala-a historically significant site in Kerala with far-reaching implications across Hindu communities. Rajiv Chandrasekhar’s pointed statements suggest attempts by political parties to leverage religious identities ahead of upcoming elections. While public concerns over past incidents like Save Sabarimala continue to resonate deeply within parts of Kerala’s electorate, linking apologies or participation at an event like “Ayyappa Sangamam” may polarize opinions rather than reconcile differences.

It remains critical for political entities navigating sensitive issues like this to focus on fostering dialog rather than escalating tensions through accusatory rhetoric. Events surrounding religious landmarks should ideally promote inclusiveness rather than become battlegrounds that mirror partisan divides-the longer-term social harmony depends significantly on such efforts.

Read more: The Hindu