BJP Stands Against Travancore Royal Family Ahead Of Global Ayyappa Sangamam As Sabarimala Issue Resurfaces After Years

The global Ayyappa Sangamam, planned by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) as part of its 75th anniversary, has hit political turbulence with the BJP demanding that the Board retract its position in the Sabarimala case, reported The New Indian Express.

The TDB, controlled by members of the Travancore royal family, had supported the entry of women of all ages into the shrine during hearings in the Supreme Court over five years ago. The BJP insists that the Board must now publicly withdraw that stand before proceeding with the conclave.

BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar declared on Sunday (31 August) that his party would participate in the Sangamam only if the TDB reverses its earlier position. “The TDB must publicly retract its position before convening the proposed gathering of Ayyappa devotees,” he said.

“Union Ministers Aswini Vaishnav and Nitin Gadkari are invited for the event, and we do not mind making one of them the chief guest. The government has no intention to politicise the meet. No political leader, other than ministers and people’s representatives, will be invited,” Vasavan said.

To counter the Sangh Parivar’s objections, the government is banking on the support of influential community organisations. The NSS and SNDP Yogam have endorsed the conclave while reiterating their opposition to young women’s entry. SNDP general secretary Vellappally Natesan also demanded the withdrawal of cases against devotees from the earlier protests.

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