Two women activists of CPI(M) escorted by policemen in plainclothes on the way to Sabarimala were stopped by devotees midway on Wednesday early morning (Jan 16). The women had covered their faces to hide their identity. According to a Janam TV report, the devotees spotted Reshma Nishant, a staunch CPI(M) activist, and her friend Shanila. It is reported that there were four more women in the group. Reports suggest that the police are trying to take some women through another route to the Sannidhanam.
The police arrested the devotees who protested against the women. Reshma Nishant shouted at the cops and asked them to arrest the devotees.
The government’s restriction and hostile police approach have resulted in decline in devotees’ turnout in Sabarimala this year. “The government has destroyed Sabarimala. According to reports, the Devaswom Board witnessed a decline in temple offerings to the tune of Rs 100 crore. During Makara Vilaku festivities, usually 5-10 lakh devotees turn up. But this year, data show that there were about 25,000 people to witness the Makara Vilaku,” said Ramachandran, a Congress leader.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi who visited Kerala on Tuesday (Jan 15) said the state government stand on Sabarimala issue was shameful. “The CPI(M)-led government’s conduct on Sabarimala will go down in history as the most shameful action of any government in power. We know CPI(M) government never respected history, culture and spirituality of a nation but nobody thought it would turn out to be so shameful,” the prime minister said.
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