No Plans to Revisit Sabarimala Affidavit, Says Minister Vasavan
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| Devaswom Minister distances Ayyappa Sangamam from affidavit row |
Thiruvananthapuram: With demands growing louder for the withdrawal or amendment of the affidavit filed in the Supreme Court on women’s entry into Sabarimala, the state government on Wednesday clarified that it has no plans to revisit the matter.
Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan said the government would only reconsider if directed by the court. “The government has had no reason to think of such a step. It has to consider it only if the court seeks its response on any of the issues. Unless it is asked, the state cannot interfere,” Vasavan told media, responding to demands from both the BJP and the Opposition UDF.
Earlier in the day, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan pressed the government to spell out its stance, questioning whether it would withdraw the affidavit that supported the entry of women of all ages into Sabarimala. He also sought clarity on the status of cases registered against Ayyappa devotees during the 2018–19 protests. “Will the government withdraw cases registered against devotees who participated in the Namajapa procession? Many cases are still pending,” he said.
Vasavan maintained that the affidavit had no connection with the upcoming Global Ayyappa Sangamam, which has already sparked political debate. “The meet is being organised to discuss the development of Sabarimala — making it a global pilgrimage centre and improving facilities. Other issues are not on the agenda,” he asserted.
On the question of pending protest-related cases, the minister reiterated that only serious cases would remain. “The CM had made it clear that all other cases would be withdrawn, subject to court approval,” he said.
Opposition Accuses Govt of Hypocrisy
Satheesan, however, accused the LDF government of “political hypocrisy” in organising the Ayyappa meet towards the end of its tenure. He alleged that government inaction had stalled development at the hill shrine. “The Oommen Chandy government had taken over forest land for the shrine’s development and allotted an equal extent of land to the forest department. But for the last nine-and-a-half years, this government has done nothing,” he charged.
The Opposition leader also claimed that the government’s approach would embolden communal forces. “The UDF has always stood with Ayyappa devotees. It is this government which has undermined Sabarimala development,” he said.
When asked if the UDF would participate in the Global Ayyappa Sangamam, Satheesan sidestepped the query, insisting that the government must first address the concerns raised.