Hindu Aikyavedi Working President Valsan Thillankerry has launched a scathing attack on the CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, headed by CPM supremo and CM Pinarayi Vijayan, accusing it of systematically looting the Sabarimala temple and demoralising Hindu devotees. Addressing a devotees’ conference titled “Sabareesha Bhajamyaham” in connection with Ayiroor–Cherukolppuzha Hindumata Parishad, Thillankerry stated that each department under the LDF government exploits Ayyappa devotees individually, turning temple mismanagement into a de facto standard operating procedure.
Demoralising Hindus and their rituals has long been a standard technique of the Communists in Kerala. Whenever they find an opportunity—especially when in power—this approach becomes an entrenched policy. The Sabarimala temple holds immense significance not only in Kerala but across the country. Yet, the atheist Communist regime consistently creates hardships for devotees, gradually attempting to alienate Hindus from their sacred pilgrimage. Brick by brick, they aim to dismantle the spiritual edifice that binds lakhs of devotees to Sabarimala.
Thillankerry highlighted how the LDF government is particularly keen on creating maximum difficulties for devotees. Parking chaos in Nilakkal and several other administrative lapses are glaring examples. Despite their tall claims, the government does nothing to ensure basic infrastructure development for pilgrims.
He further criticised the government and the Thiruvithamkoor Devaswom Board for failing to provide even a single meal to devotees. “People with vested interests are making concerted efforts to disrupt ritual practices, with the prime objective of demolishing Sanatana culture,” he said, urging devotees to remain vigilant against these insidious tactics.
Thillankerry demanded that the government ensure a grievance-free pilgrimage, at least in the future, though past patterns suggest otherwise. The conclave urged the government to rectify the pitiable situation in Sabarimala, drawing comparisons to the exemplary organisational conduct witnessed during the Kumbh Mela.
Swami Ayyappadas, President of Ayyappa Seva Samajam, echoed these concerns, alleging that orchestrated efforts are underway to sabotage the Sabarimala pilgrimage. He pointed out that despite years in power, the government has failed to arrange adequate facilities for the lakhs of pilgrims who visit during the Makar Jyothi festival.
VHP State President Viji Thampi condemned the deliberate attempts to desecrate Sabarimala’s sanctity by breaking age-old temple traditions, an agenda seemingly driven by the atheist mindset that dominates Kerala’s Communist governance.
Swami Bhavyamrutha Prana of Amritanandamayi Math, Thukalassery; Cultural Minister Saji Cheriyan; Ayyappa Seva Sangham National Secretary D. Vijayakumar; and Hindu Mahamandalam Executive Committee member G. Krishnakumar also addressed the gathering, reinforcing the need for unwavering vigilance against the anti-Hindu policies perpetuated under the current regime.
Sabarimala Pilgrimage
The annual pilgrimage to Sabarimala, dedicated to Bhagwan Ayyappa, spans 41 days, typically observed during December and January. Recognised as one of India’s most significant Hindu pilgrimages, it draws lakhs of devotees from across the nation. This sacred journey is marked by strict austerities, deep spiritual discipline, and unwavering faith, reflecting the rich cultural heritage associated with the temple.
The history of mismanagement by Communists
Mismanagement of Sabarimala Temple by the Communist Government in Kerala:
Neglect of Infrastructure: Inadequate facilities for pilgrims, including poor sanitation, lack of proper parking arrangements, and insufficient crowd management measures.
Police Brutality: Allegations of police high-handedness and brutality towards pilgrims, causing outrage among devotees.
Kerala: Sabarimala pilgrims outraged over alleged police brutality; two severely injured, authorities under scrutiny#Sabarimala
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) January 9, 2024
Disproportionate Security Deployment: While the Pinarayi Vijayan government deployed over 2000 security personnel for the Nava Kerala Sadas, only 615 were allocated for managing the massive Sabarimala pilgrimage crowd.
Kerala’s #pinarayivijayan Government ignores Pilgrims: 2000 strong security for Nava Kerala Sadas, but 615 for #Sabarimala
Read via @eOrganiser https://t.co/qDCSQqFqOb
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) December 14, 2023
Political Neglect: Kerala BJP leader Kummanam Rajasekharan’s inspection at Nilakkal parking ground highlighted severe lapses in amenities for pilgrims.
Kerala BJP leader Kummanam Rajasekharan visits Sabarimala Nilakkal parking ground and inspects amenities for pilgrimspic.twitter.com/zGIxw2x1xy
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) December 14, 2023
Frequent Safety Concerns: Continuous reports of poor safety measures, making the sacred pilgrimage a challenging journey for devotees.
The sacred pilgrimage to #Sabarimala has become a journey fraught with challenges for devotees
Challenges have affected pilgrims who arrived in Kottayam, highlighting a collective predicament faced by those seeking divine blessings at Sabarimala templehttps://t.co/Iw6lZsWH7b
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) January 12, 2024
Public Protests: Kerala MPs and BJP Yuva Morcha staged protests against the government, demanding better safety and basic amenities for pilgrims.
Kerala: BJP Yuva Morcha holds protest against government over alleged mismanagement at Sabarimala temple
Read via @eOrganiser https://t.co/XosH7ZqY0Q
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) December 13, 2023
Judicial Intervention: The Kerala High Court had to issue directives to the state government regarding crowd control and management at Sabarimala, highlighting administrative failures. Court directives
Addressing a suo moto case concerning the crowd surge at #Sabarimala, the Devaswom bench of the Kerala High Court has issued several directives aimed at controlling the rush during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season#sabarimalachaos
Full report here – https://t.co/5M6hxyX8Xm
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) December 15, 2023
These instances, covered extensively by Organiser Weekly, make it evident that the Communist government in Kerala is deliberately undermining the sanctity of Sabarimala and demoralising Hindu devotees through consistent mismanagement and neglect.
