TN CM Not Going to Kerala Ayyappa Meet, Representation Through Ministers
Chennai/Thiruvananthapuram: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has confirmed that two state ministers will represent the government at the upcoming International Ayyappa Devotees’ Conference, scheduled to be held in Pamba, Kerala, on September 20.
In a letter addressed to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Stalin stated that Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P.K. Sekarbabu and Information Technology Minister Palanivel Thiagarajan would attend the event on behalf of the Tamil Nadu government.
The World Ayyappa Sangamam, organized by the Travancore Devaswom Board as part of its 75th anniversary celebrations, will be inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The Board, which manages the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, also extended invitations to the Chief Ministers of Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, in addition to Tamil Nadu as per media reports.
Recently, Kerala Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan personally met with Chief Minister Stalin in Chennai and handed over the official invitation.
However, the invitation to Stalin sparked sharp criticism from the Kerala BJP. State BJP President K. Surendran condemned the move, alleging that leaders like Pinarayi Vijayan, Stalin, and Udhayanidhi Stalin have consistently insulted Hindu faith and traditions. He claimed that “true devotees will not participate in a conference organized by those who have disparaged Sabarimala customs and devotees for years.”