In an unfortunate turn of events, renowned singer KS Chitra, known as ‘Dakshin Bharat’s Nightingale,’ faced severe criticism for her wholehearted endorsement of the Ayodhya Pran Pratishta. Chitra’s video urging people in Kerala to light traditional lamps and chnat the name of Bhagwan Ram during the consecration ceremony on January 22 went viral, drawing enthusiasm from lakhs of Ram Bhaktas. However, the netizens unleashed an attack against her by using objectionable language.
BJP State President K Surendran attributed the attacks to the unholy nexus of the Red-Jihadi forces, criticising the assault on Chitra’s faith in Sanatan Dharma. He emphasised that Chitra’s appeal to light lamps and recite Bhagwan Ram’s name resonated across diverse communities, transcending party lines, languages, and dining styles. Surendran decried the lack of response from Congress, despite their vocal claims of respecting all religious faiths.
Surendran further highlighted the contrasting situation in Kerala under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s rule, where devotees faced third-rate cyber attacks while celebrating the Pran Pratishta. He accused the Left government of silencing voices critical of Vijayan on social media, yet failing to protect the followers of Sanatana Dharma from cyberbullying. Surendran called for swift action against the cyber attackers targeting KS Chitra and pledged full support to the acclaimed singer.
Union Minister V Muraleedharan also condemned the cyberbullying against Chitra, attributing it to anti-Hindu sentiments and intolerance. He ridiculed the Left government’s claims that Kerala is a paragon of religious toleration, emphasising the need to address the growing incidents of cyber attacks against followers of Sanatana Dharma.
Amidst these attacks, the Ayodhya Pran Pratishta gained unexpected and enormous popularity in Kerala, unsettling anti-Hindu and anti-Mandir forces. The distribution of Akshat, a sacred offering, witnessed widespread acceptance among influential personalities, including Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma), Kerala Governor Dr Arif Mohammed Khan, Mega Star Mohanlal, Minister KB Ganeshkumar, Sabarimala Melshanthi Mahesh Nampoothiri, and celebrities Dileep and Kavya Madhavan.
Akshat distribution in Kerala surpassed all estimations, creating a demand that sometimes overwhelmed available resources. The trend defied previous assumptions in anti-BJP political circles that Rama lacked popularity in Dakshin Bharat, particularly in Kerala. The unexpected surge in popularity triggered panic among anti-Hindu forces, leading to cyber attacks against vocal supporters like KS Chithra.
However, the attacks also prompted a robust response from right-thinking netizens, who countered the negativity with affirmations of faith. The developments underscored that Ram is worshipped in Kerala with the same reverence as Bhagwan Shiva, Sabarimala Ayyapa, and Guruvayoor Sreekrishna.
The attack of the netizens against KS Chithra shed light on the challenges faced by individuals expressing unwavering support for Ayodhya events, revealing the divisive nature of the attacks and the resilience of those upholding their faith in the face of adversity.
