Sabarimala Outrage: Union Minister Demands Apology from Vijayan and Stalin for 'Attack on Devotion'

The echoes of the controversial Sabarimala women's entry issue continue to reverberate, with Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar delivering a scathing indictment against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his Tamil Nadu counterpart, M.K. Stalin. Chandrasekhar has unequivocally demanded a public apology from both leaders for the "assaults and attacks" unleashed upon devotees during the peak of the protests, accusing them of a grave disrespect for faith and tradition.

At the heart of Chandrasekhar's fiery condemnation is a recent CPI(M) event in Chennai, where CM Pinarayi Vijayan allegedly spoke about the Sabarimala issue, with Tamil Nadu CM M.K.

Stalin in attendance. According to the Union Minister, Vijayan not only showed "no remorse" for the brutal police action against pilgrims but seemingly "celebrated" the state's crackdown. This alleged glorification of past actions, which saw countless devotees, including women, children, and the elderly, facing severe repression, has reignited public outrage.

Chandrasekhar vividly recalled the 2018-19 period, describing it as a time when the Kerala state machinery, under Vijayan's command, unleashed "tyranny" against devout believers.

"The state government, led by Pinarayi Vijayan, completely disregarded the sentiments of millions of devotees," Chandrasekhar stated, emphasizing that the issue was never about gender equality but about the deliberate suppression of faith and the brutalisation of those who sought to protect sacred customs.

The Union Minister contrasted the previous state government's actions with the current Central government's stance, asserting that the BJP government "respects faith and tradition." He highlighted that while the Supreme Court allowed women of all ages to enter the temple, the subsequent state government's implementation went far beyond judicial directives, turning into an "overreach" designed to crush religious sentiment.

A significant portion of Chandrasekhar's criticism was also directed at M.K.

Stalin, questioning his presence and silence at an event where such sentiments were aired. "What explains Stalin’s silence?" Chandrasekhar pressed, pointing out the Dravidian party's historical emphasis on upholding cultural and religious sensitivities. "For Stalin to sit silently and allow the glorification of attacks on devotion is deeply troubling and betrays the trust of countless believers," he added.

The demand for an apology is not merely symbolic; Chandrasekhar stressed that it is essential for acknowledging the deep wounds inflicted upon the faithful.

"Pinarayi Vijayan and M.K. Stalin must publicly apologise for the hurt they have caused, for the assaults, and for the attack on the constitutional rights of devotees to practice their faith," he concluded, urging both leaders to reflect on the gravity of their past actions and current endorsements.