RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat enters Sabari slugfest

The standoff between Ayyappa devotees and police continue in Sabarimala over the entry of women of menstruating age to the temple is spilling over to a political slugfest. On one side is the Left Front government in Kerala as well as the CPM national leadership and the other the BJP/RSS and other Sangh outfits.

While the LDF government in state is accusing the Sangh of attempting to "destroy" the shrine by "unleashing terror", the BJP says it's the LDF government that is trying to do so. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat also stated the recent Supreme Court verdict did not account for traditions accepted and followed by the people for years.

In his Vijayadashami speech, Bhagwat said: "decisions taken without considering all aspects and patiently creating the mindset of the society will neither be adopted in actual practice nor will they help in creating a new social order in tune with changing times and positions." He said nature and premise of the tradition that has been accepted by society and continuously followed for years together were not taken into consideration.

While the BJP alleges tarnishing the Sabarimala Temple has always been a CPM agenda, CM Vijayan says the BJP/RSS had always been disturbed by the unique nature of the shrine, open to devotees of all caste, creed and religion.

Making it clear that the government would not allow the temple turn a "riot zone", the CM said any attempt to block women would be dealt with.

BJP state president PS Sree-dharan Pillai has demanded a judicial probe into the circumstances that led to the lathi-charge at Nilakkal.