As Assembly elections are around the corner, Sabarimala entry issue is once again gaining attention. The Nair Service Society (NSS) has asked the Pinarayi Vijayan government to clarify its stand on the Sabarimala issue. The NSS wants to know whether the government is keen on protecting the faith of the devotees by introducing a new law on Sabarimala or by changing the affidavit they had submitted in the Supreme Court.
The NSS had earlier filed a review petition on the Supreme Court verdict allowing women entry. However, CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran has responded to the current Sabarimala issues. According to him, the current controversies are unnecessarily created by the opposition.
Also, senior CPI (M) leader MA Baby said that the government will discuss the issue with all stakeholders on the implementation of the Supreme Court’s final order on permitting women entry. Earlier, Congress announced that they will implement a new law, restricting the entry of women to the temple.
Meanwhile, according to Devaswom Board president N Vasu, Sabarimala is facing a severe financial crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He said, “The Travancore Devaswom Board depends on the revenue of Sabarimala. The revenue generated during the Covid-19 pilgrimage was just Rs 21 crore. The board will not be able to survive even for a day if it does not get Rs 100 crore immediately. About 5,000 employees are yet to be paid. 1,250 temples will also be affected.”