New Delhi: Ahead of the Assembly elections in the state this year, the Kerala government has reversed its stance on allowing women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala Temple.
Change in stance before polls
The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in the state has decided to convey to the Supreme Court that it aims to follow the traditions of the temple, and hence, women below the age of 50 should not be allowed inside the religious place. Recently, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) also decided to inform the apex court that it supported the protection of the Sabarimala Temple’s traditions.
The government will formally inform the SC of its new position with an emphasis on the protection of religious customs and traditions before the Assembly polls. Notably, the SC has directed the state government and other parties to clarify their stand on the issue by March 14, with detailed hearings to begin on April 7.
Opposition attacks LDF govt
Notably, the SC gave a monumental verdict on September 28, 2018, that allowed women’s entry into the temple after 12 years of legal proceedings. The change in stance of the LDF government in the state comes ahead of the elections as according to reports, the BJP and the Congress may use the issue to attack the Pinarayi Vijayan-led administration.
Leader of the Opposition and Congress leader, V. D. Satheesan said according to a report by The Week, “In the context of the government deciding to revise the affidavit that supported women’s entry into Sabarimala, the CPM—which had claimed to be progressive—should apologise to the public and to the opposition.” On the other hand, BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said, “I had predicted four weeks ago that the government would take a U-turn on the matter. That prediction has now come true.”