On Tuesday evening, for the first time since the controversial SC verdict allowing women of all ages entry into the Sabarimala temple, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken out about the conflict that has dominated the political and social circles of Kerala. Speaking at a NDA rally in Kollam, Modi lambasted both the ruling LDF government and the UDF government in opposition in Kerala for their treatment of the Sabarimala issue, and stated that the BJP was the only party to clearly support Kerala’s traditions of not allowing women into the temple.
Stating that Kerala’s spirituality and tranquility has become hostage to corruption and communalism, Modi said that both the LDF and the UDF have forgotten to hear the voice of the people in their love for power.
“The entire nation has been talking about Sabarimala. The conduct of Kerala’s LDF govt on Sabarimala issue will go down in history as one of the most shameful acts by any party or government. We knew that communists don’t respect Indian history, culture and spirituality. But no one imagined they would have such hatred,” he said.
He said that the UDF-led by the Congress is not any better than the left. “The Congress has multiple stands. They say one thing in parliament and one thing in Pathanamthitta. They say one thing on one day and a different thing on another day,” he said, adding Congress to clearly proclaim their stance on the Sabarimala issue.
The Prime Minister also said that BJP was the only party to have stood for Kerala’s traditions with conviction.
Calling out the Left and the Congress for their stance on abolishing Triple Talaq, Prime Minister Modi said, “The NDA government has been working towards opposing Triple Talaq. Who is opposing us on this? The Congress and the communists.” He accused then of having double standards in issues of gender justice too.
In the last few months, the BJP that had initially been silent on the Sabarimala issue, took an aggressive stand, organising protests across the state. The Congress had changed its stand from welcoming the judgement initially to opposing it.