Ayyappa Sangaman Controversy: Congress Slams CPM Over Support, Yet Opts Against Boycott

A heated political debate has ignited in Kerala concerning the 'Global Ayyappa Sangaman' event, with the Congress party launching a scathing attack on the ruling CPM. The core of the dispute revolves around the CPM's apparent support for the event, which the Congress has labeled as a communal gathering.

Despite its strong criticism, the Congress has declared it will not boycott the Sangaman, a decision that highlights the intricate political maneuvering ahead of crucial elections.

The 'Global Ayyappa Sangaman', organized by a collective of Hindu organizations, aims to bring together devotees of Lord Ayyappa from across the world.

However, its perceived association with a specific religious ideology has drawn flak from secular quarters. The Congress's senior leadership, including prominent figures like Ramesh Chennithala and K. Muraleedharan, openly accused the CPM of aligning itself with communal forces by participating in and lending support to the event.

They argue that such an alliance undermines Kerala's long-standing tradition of secularism and risks communalizing the state's political landscape.

Congress leaders pointed out the irony in the CPM's stance, recalling the party's previous strong opposition to religious gatherings and its consistent advocacy for secular values.

They questioned why the CPM, which had historically been at odds with organizations promoting religious majoritarianism, was now seemingly endorsing the Ayyappa Sangaman. This, they suggested, was a clear attempt by the CPM to appease a particular vote bank, especially with Lok Sabha elections on the horizon.

However, the Congress's decision not to boycott the event has added another layer of complexity to the issue.

While vocally condemning the CPM's actions, the opposition party stated that boycotting a religious gathering would be inappropriate and could be misconstrued. This move is seen by many political analysts as a strategic one, aiming to criticize the CPM's perceived communal appeasement without alienating religious voters themselves.

It allows the Congress to maintain its secular credentials while still engaging with the broader religious sentiments prevalent in the state.

The CPM, on its part, has largely remained defensive, downplaying its involvement and stating that its members are participating in the event in a personal capacity, not as official party representatives.

They have reiterated their commitment to secularism and accused the Congress of opportunism. Nonetheless, the controversy has put the CPM in a difficult position, struggling to reconcile its ideological stance with the practicalities of electoral politics.

This political tug-of-war over the Ayyappa Sangaman underscores the delicate balance parties must maintain in Kerala, a state known for its unique blend of religious devotion and strong secular traditions.

As elections draw nearer, such incidents are likely to become more frequent, with parties meticulously calculating their moves to maximize their appeal across diverse voter segments, often leading to seemingly contradictory positions.