Kerala's Minister for Higher Education and Social Justice, R Bindu, dismissed claims made by Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar regarding an alleged animal sacrifice near a temple in north Kerala aimed at him, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Congress government in Karnataka.
Bindu asserted that such practices are not condoned in Kerala, emphasizing the state's commitment to progress and modernity. She highlighted concerns about attempts in other parts of the country to regress society into antiquated practices and stressed the need for vigilance against similar efforts within Kerala.
She also said, "We need to examine whether such attempts are being made in our state too."
Shivakumar had earlier alleged the performance of a ritual called "Shatru Bhairavi Yaga" near a temple in Kerala, purportedly targeting him and other political figures. He claimed that the ritual involved animal sacrifices and consulting Aghoris, a sect of ascetic Shaivite sadhus. "Shatru Bhairavi Yaga is being performed near Rajarajeshwari temple in Kerala for Shatru Samhara (destruction of enemies). For this yaga 'Pancha Bali' (five kinds of sacrifice) is being given...21 goats, three buffaloes, 21 black sheeps, five pigs....Aghoris are being approached. It is going on," he claimed, as per a report on PTI.
Responding to queries about the identity of those behind the alleged ritual against him, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar said, “Time will tell who did the 'yagna'. You and the people are there to bless us. I have the power to believe. Your prayers will protect me."
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