Condemning the Bharatiya Janata Party’s opposition to entry of women of all ages to Kerala’s Sabarimala temple, Congress leaders here said political parties should refrain from playing with the sentiments of the people, particularly women, citing past conventions.
Manuvadi mindset
Speaking to The Hindu on Wednesday, V.S. Ugrappa, Ballari MP, said it reflects the discriminatory “Manuvadi mindset” of BJP leaders.
Describing the Supreme Court’s verdict “progressive”, Mr. Ugrappa said there should not be any gender discrimination for worship. “Only people having Manuvadi mindset are opposing women’s entry into the temple,” he said.
KPCC spokespersons H.A. Venkatesh and V.R. Sudarshan, former chairman of the Legislative Council, too opposed the BJP and Sangh Parivar’s stand, saying more women should come forward to speak on the issue and educate people on the judgment.
Mr. Sudarshan said the BJP has been opposing the darshan of Lord Ayyappa without historical evidence. “One cannot prevent women’s entry into the temple citing past conventions,” he claimed. Mr. Venkatesh questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the matter and said the BJP adopts “double standards” with regard to triple talaq and the Sabarimala issue.
Mr. Modi on Tuesday had said that while triple talaq is a matter of gender equality, entry of women into Sabarimala is related to tradition.
The Congress leaders opposed the “emotional blackmail of women” and said it was the duty of the Kerala government to enforce the apex court’s verdict, without fear or favour.