Political Firestorm Erupts: BJP Demands Answers from Kerala CM Over Stalin's Ayyappa Sangamam Role

The political arena in Kerala is witnessing a fresh eruption of controversy, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launching a fierce offensive against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The bone of contention? Vijayan's decision to invite Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to inaugurate the "Global Ayyappa Devotees Mahasangamam" in Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram.

This move has not only raised eyebrows but has also ignited a torrent of questions from the BJP, demanding a clear explanation from the LDF government.

Kerala BJP state president K. Surendran spearheaded the attack, questioning the very premise of Stalin's invitation. "When did M.K. Stalin become an Ayyappa devotee?" Surendran challenged, his words dripping with incredulity.

The BJP's stance is rooted in the DMK's, and particularly Stalin's family's, long-standing and often vociferous anti-religious, and specifically anti-Hindu, sentiments. Surendran pointed to the historical remarks of Stalin's father, M. Karunanidhi, concerning the Ram Setu, and more recently, the controversial statements by Udhayanidhi Stalin regarding Sanatana Dharma.

"This is a party and a family that has consistently worked against the Hindu faith," Surendran asserted, asking how such an individual could be deemed fit to inaugurate a conclave for Ayyappa devotees.

The BJP leader minced no words, accusing Chief Minister Vijayan of blatant political opportunism, especially with the auspicious Sabarimala pilgrimage season underway.

"If this isn't politics, then what is it?" Surendran thundered, suggesting that the invitation was a cynical attempt to appease a specific vote bank rather than a genuine gesture of devotion. He further demanded transparency regarding the organizers of the event, questioning their authenticity as Ayyappa devotees and implying they might be mere fronts for political machinations.

Surendran didn't shy away from drawing parallels to past controversies, specifically recalling the 2018 Sabarimala women's entry issue.

He reminded the public of how the Kerala government had allegedly used brute police force against genuine Ayyappa devotees, who were protesting against the Supreme Court's verdict. "The very government that used force against pilgrims is now inviting someone with a history of anti-Hindu rhetoric to inaugurate an Ayyappa event," Surendran highlighted, underscoring what the BJP perceives as profound hypocrisy.

The BJP's strong critique calls for a comprehensive explanation from Chief Minister Vijayan.

The party alleges that this move is a deliberate attempt to mock genuine devotees and undermine the sanctity of the Ayyappa faith, all for narrow political gains. As the "Global Ayyappa Devotees Mahasangamam" proceeds, the political temperature in Kerala continues to soar, fueled by questions of faith, politics, and perceived betrayal.