THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJP Kerala General Secretary Anoop Antony Joseph has strongly criticised State Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan for his alleged “disrespectful conduct” during President Droupadi Murmu’s historic visit to the Sabarimala temple on Wednesday.
Criticism over lack of gesture
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Joseph alleged that Minister Vasavan showed no sign of reverence during the President’s visit. “While the President and others stood with folded hands before Lord Ayyappa, Minister Vasavan stood right behind her, head high, not even a single gesture of respect,” he wrote.
Joseph added that being an atheist was a personal choice but argued that such individuals should not be entrusted with managing religious affairs. “If you don’t believe in Ayyappa, what business do you have inside His temple or managing the faith of millions?” he asked.
The BJP leader also accused Vasavan of treating the Sabarimala temple as “just another treasury to plunder” and called for him to step aside. The BJP has already been demanding the minister’s resignation over the alleged gold theft case linked to the temple.
President’s historic visit
President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Sabarimala marked a milestone, as she became the first woman head of state to offer prayers at the famed Lord Ayyappa shrine. She performed darshan at the main sanctum and several nearby temples, drawing wide attention from devotees and media alike.
DySP faces action for WhatsApp post
Meanwhile, in an unrelated incident, the Palakkad District Police Chief has sought an explanation from a DySP-rank officer for posting a controversial WhatsApp status criticising the President’s visit.
According to reports, the officer’s status claimed that several customs and High Court orders related to the Sabarimala pilgrimage were violated during the visit, questioning why political parties like Congress and BJP were silent.
Police sources said the officer had inadvertently posted the message after receiving it as a forward while travelling by train. He reportedly deleted it soon after realising the error, following public backlash.
BJP renews attack on Kerala government
The BJP’s latest criticism adds to its ongoing confrontation with the ruling Left Democratic Front government in Kerala over the management of temples under the Devaswom Board. The party has repeatedly accused the government of interfering in religious matters and misusing temple resources.
While Minister Vasavan has yet to issue a public response, sources close to him reportedly dismissed the BJP’s claims as politically motivated attempts to stir controversy during the festival season.
The controversy over both incidents — the minister’s alleged lack of respect and the police officer’s online post — continues to spark debate on social media, with users divided on whether religious sentiment should play a role in governance and public office conduct.