Sabarimala Temple row: Center will dissolve Kerala govt if more devotees are arrested, warns Amit Shah

Amit Shah said that Central government will dissolve the Kerala government if it continues to arrest Lord Ayyapa devotees who are protesting against the entry of women in Sabarimala Temple.

Amit Shah was speaking at the inauguration of the BJP district Committee office in Kannur. (Image: AFP)

Kannur: National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Amit Shah on Saturday said that Central government will dissolve the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front government if it continues to arrest Lord Ayyapa devotees who are protesting in Kerala against the entry of women in Sabarimala Temple. Speaking at the inauguration of the BJP district Committee office in Kannur, Shah said that the BJP government stands with the devotees across the country. Shah’s statement came a day after the police arrested over 2,800 devotees in Kerala in a crackdown on protesters who prevented women from entering the temple. “I want to warn CM Vijayan, if you don't stop this oppression, BJP's workers will uproot your government and your government will not be able to stay in power,” he said. Shah, who began his speech with 'Swamiya Saranam Ayyappa' mantra, said the LDF government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan would have to pay a heavy price if the suppression of the agitation continues. Warning Kerala CM, Shah said the effort by his government to clamp down on the agitation amounted to ‘playing with fire’. “Chief Minister must stop the brutality in the name of implementing the SC verdict," BJP president said adding that even women in the state were against the government move to implement the Supreme Court's order. Alleging that the Left government was trying to "destroy" Sabarimala temple and the "Hindu traditions," the BJP chief said the saffron party won't allow the CPI(M)-led government to "gamble with Hindu faith." Shah also said that there is no restriction for women to offer prayers in any other Ayyappa temple. However, the uniqueness of the Sabarimala shrine has to be protected, he said. “The communist government is conspiring against temples. They have created an emergency like situation in Kerala,” he added. The state has witnessed a massive unrest since the temple was opened for monthly rituals earlier this month. Supreme Court, last month, removed the ban on the entry of women between the age of 10-50 years in the Sabarimala temple. A total of 495 cases have been registered so far.