The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday embarked on a rath yatra from here to “protect” the traditions and rituals of the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala.
Speaking at the inaugural function of the ‘Sabarimala Samrakshana Yatra’, former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa sought the immediate intervention of the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government to end tension at the hill shrine. The Kerala government should “apply its mind” and show seriousness to end the impasse at Sabarimala, he said.
“We are not against the SC verdict. But sentiments of the people should be respected by one and all,” he said, holding the ruling LDF and the Congress-led Opposition United Democratic Front responsible for the present impasse following violent protests against the entry of women of all ages to Sabarimala.
Mr. Yeddyurappa later flagged off the rath yatra being led jointly by BJP State president P.S. Sreedharan Pillai and Bharath Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS) president Thushar Vellappally from the Madhur Siddhi Vinayaka temple here. The rath yatra will conclude at Erumely on November 13, when the Supreme Court is to consider the review petitions against its September 28 verdict permitting women of all age groups to offer prayers at the temple.