Sabarimala Karma Samithi calls for statewide hartal, BJP supports bandh call

Trivandrum, Nov 17: Sabarimala Karma Samithi called for the statewide shutdown from 6 am-6 pm on Saturday in protest the against arrest of Hindu Aikya Vedi state President KP Sasikala at Marakkoottam, a few kilometres away from Sannidanam.

Sasikala was arrested Friday night while she was going to Sannidhanam. She was arrested after she protested when police didn't allow her to travel at night.

Sasikala was brought to the Ranni police station. Sabarimala Karma Samithi activists are staging a protest in front the of the station.

Also, BJP extended support to the 12-hour strike by Hindu organisations in Kerala.

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) halted its bus services in the state following the bandh call.

Speaking to PTI, VHP state president S J R Kumar said that essential services and vehicles of Ayyappa devotees will not be affected by the Shutdown.

On Friday, activist Trupti Desai had to spend an entire day at Kochi airport after she was surrounded by protesters determined to stop her from going to Sabarimala.

New priests

Two new melsanthis (priests) ML Vasudevan Namboodiri (Ayyappa temple) and MN Narayanan Namboodiri (Malikapapuram) assume charge at Sabarimala Temple as it opens for two-month long pilgrim season, in Sabarimala, Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. (PTI Photo)

Outgoing chief priest

Outgoing chief priest AV Unnikrishnan Namboothiri opens the 'sanctum sanctorum' of the Sabarimala temple as it opens for two-month long pilgrim season, in Sabarimala, Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. (PTI Photo)

Sabarimala Temple

Police personnel stand guard as the Sabarimala temple opens for a two-month long pilgrim season, in Sabarimala, Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. (PTI Photo)

Trupti Desai

Social activist Trupti Desai, who vowed to offer prayers at the hill shrine, leaves Nedumbassery Airport after being held up inside the airport for over 12 hours, in Kochi, Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. (PTI Photo)