The Shiv Sena's threat comes hours after gender equality activist Trupti Desai on Saturday said that she is determined to visit the temple shortly. “We want the temple tradition and culture to be protected and that's our only demand. Hundreds of our activists will reach the temple town on October 17 and guard all entry points to the famed temple,” Aji stated.
On September 28, the Supreme Court of India lifted out a longtime ban on women from entering the temple ruling out that it violated the constitutional principles of the country. The then Chief Justice of India (CJI) Deepak Mishra said that the rights of women should be no lesser than their male counterparts, and devotion cannot be subjected to gender discrimination. While many in state, including Kerala government, welcomed the decision pronounced by the apex court, a large section of devotees have opposed it and organised protests, demanding to retain the age-old tradition.
As the aggressive reaction of Shiv Sena has created a havoc-like situation in the state, all eyes will be on the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government as it has ensured to adhere court’s verdict. The door of Sabrimala temple will be opened on October 18 for a routine monthly puja.
In a related development, the police in Kollam district on Saturday registered a case against actor Kollam Thulasi for his statement at a public meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA campaign against the apex court ruling. Thulasi had said, “Women coming to Sabarimala temple should be ripped in half," and one half should be thrown to Delhi and the other half to the Office of Chief Minister Vijayan. However, later when his statement received criticism from many, the actor quickly apologised by saying that he did not meant to hurt anyone’s feeling.