Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Jan 3: Condemning entry of women at Sabarimala temple, district BJP members, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal activists staged a protest in front of Martyrs ground, Ajjarkad Udupi here on Thursday, January 3.

District BJP president Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde said, “Many temples, and religious centres have been destroyed by other communities. Such activities are happening since many years. Even after 70 years of Independence, such acts are taking place. Hindus religious places are dominated by Christian and Muslim community. Kerala is one place which is dominated by communist party.

“Do not hurt the feelings of Hindu devotees by violating traditions. We respect the verdict of the Supreme Court, but it should not hurt devotees and their culture. All Ayyappa devotees will follow rituals strictly. Article 7 says ‘All are equal before law’. Entry of women to Ayyappa shrine is a question of belief and dedication. Here, the Communist party is creating problems. We will not tolerate this. There are some strict traditions in Muslim community. Why is no one questioning about that?

“There is no peaceful atmosphere in Kerala. Two women did enter Sabarimala with police protection. Finally, what did they achieve? He questioned.

Manjunath Swami, leader of Vishwa Hindu Parishad addressing the protestors said, “CPI(M) has lost its existence everywhere in the country. The Supreme Court has given many verdicts against the Hindu society. Women’s entry to Sabarimala is an offence. It is an attack of rational thoughts. Sabarimala is a place to pray for common people, but some anti-community people are intending to disturb peace around us. The Hindu society will not tolerate this kind of attack on peaceful religious centres.”

Sunil K R, regional convenor of VHP said, “The two women entered Sabarimala. This is the end of Pinarayi Vijayan’s government. Bindu and Kanakadurga are the last nails of the government’s coffin. No legal rules are higher than religious beliefs.”

Balaguru said, “Pinarayi Vijayan has committed a grave mistake. The Supreme Court’s verdict is condemnable. Kurukshethra war should begin from here. This is the end to Kerala government. No one said that there is no entry for women, but only for some age group. This is a systematic conspiracy of Kerala government to hurt Hindus.”

BJP leaders Shreesha Naik, Prabhakar Poojary, Shyamala Kundar, Sandhya Ramesh, Veena Shetty, Shivakumar Ambalpady, Suresh Naik, Sheela K Shetty, Dinakar Babu and others were present.