BJP Slams Kerala Govt For Inviting MK Stalin To Global Ayyappa Sangamam

The BJP has strongly criticised the Kerala government's decision to invite Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin as the chief guest for the inaugural Global Ayyappa Sangamam scheduled in Pathanamthitta on September 20.

Kerala BJP leaders accused the Left-led state government of "hypocrisy" and "insulting Hindu faith," alleging that Stalin remained silent when his DMK colleagues made derogatory remarks about Hinduism.

BJP's Objections

Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar warned that the party would oppose the participation of both Stalin and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan unless they apologised to Ayyappa devotees. He also recalled police action taken against Sabarimala pilgrims during past protests. In a sharp comparison, he described the INDI alliance's participation as being akin to "Hitler celebrating Jews" or "Osama bin Laden becoming an apostle of peace."

Senior BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan echoed the criticism, calling the invitation "the highest hypocrisy." She pointed out that Stalin had declined invitations from Hindu organisations in Tamil Nadu but accepted the one in Kerala. BJP national spokesperson CR Kesavan also said Stalin failed to condemn his son Udhayanidhi Stalin's remarks equating Sanatana Dharma with diseases.

Kerala Govt's Stand

Defending the decision, Kerala Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan said the Sangamam is a collaborative effort between the government and the Travancore Devaswom Board. The conclave, he said, aims to bring together Ayyappa devotees worldwide and project Sabarimala as a global pilgrimage centre.

The event is expected to host ministers from Karnataka and Telangana, Union ministers from Kerala, opposition leaders, and over 3,000 delegates. Vasavan assured that all rituals and traditions would be strictly followed, with facilities like accommodation, healthcare, and transport being arranged. He also highlighted the ₹1,300 crore Sabarimala master plan, which includes an airport and railway line targeted for completion by 2028.

Political Reactions

Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty dismissed BJP's objections, accusing Rajeev Chandrasekhar of "living in a dream" and questioning how a state's CM could be barred from attending.

Meanwhile, the DMK defended Stalin's participation. Party secretary TKS Elangovan argued that the event was of historical importance and not a religious ritual, dismissing BJP's criticism as political posturing.

Broader Implications

The controversy underscores the growing friction between the BJP, Left government in Kerala, and the DMK in Tamil Nadu over religious issues. While preparations for the Sangamam continue, the political debate has intensified, adding a charged backdrop to what organisers hoped would be a unifying spiritual gathering