Thiruvananthapuram, February 23 The BJP announced on Monday that it would light an "Ayyappa Jyothi" (lamp) in front of the official residence of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on February 24, demanding that the state government withdraw its earlier affidavit in the Supreme Court supporting women's entry into the Sabarimala temple.
Addressing a press conference here, BJP national executive member P K Krishnadas said the party wants the government to file a fresh affidavit favoring the protection of temple rituals and the interests of devotees, and to clarify its position on the issue.
He said that thousands of devotees of Lord Ayyappa and BJP workers would participate in the event, which will be held at 5 pm in front of the chief minister's residence.
Krishnadas also said that an "Ayyappa Samrakshana Sangamam" (gathering to protect Ayyappa) would be organized at Chengannur – described as the gateway to Sabarimala – with the prayer that the chief minister and the state government adopt what he termed a "correct approach" on the issue.
He added that in the coming days, similar programs, including the lighting of Ayyappa Jyothi lamps, would be organized in over 23,000 booths across the state.
The BJP leader also demanded the withdrawal of cases registered against Ayyappa devotees who had opposed the alleged violation of temple customs, and asked the state government and the CPI(M) to end what he described as their "anti-Ayyappa stance."
He also urged the state government and the CPI(M) to clarify their position on the women's entry issue.
