The BJP has launched a fierce attack on the Kerala government for inviting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin to the upcoming Global Ayyappa Sangamam in Pathanamthitta on September 20, calling the move “hypocrisy” and an “insult to Hindu faith.”
BJP leaders argued that Stalin’s presence at the first-ever conclave of Ayyappa devotees was inappropriate, accusing him of staying silent when DMK colleagues made disparaging remarks about Hinduism. Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar warned that the party would resist the participation of both Stalin and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan unless they apologised to devotees. He also accused Vijayan of previously ordering police action against Sabarimala pilgrims.
In a scathing remark, Chandrasekhar likened the invitation to “Hitler celebrating Jews,” adding:
“INDI alliance parties like Congress, CPI(M), and DMK joining a Sabarimala programme is as unreal as Osama bin Laden becoming an apostle of peace or Rahul Gandhi speaking the truth. No hypocrisy from the alliance surprises me anymore.”
Other BJP leaders echoed the criticism. Senior leader Tamilisai Soundararajan said Stalin had ignored invitations from Hindu groups in Tamil Nadu but agreed to attend in Kerala, calling it “the height of hypocrisy.” National spokesperson CR Kesavan also recalled Stalin’s refusal to censure his son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, for likening Sanatana Dharma to diseases like malaria.
Kerala Govt Defends Invite
Defending the decision, Kerala Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan said the Global Ayyappa Sangamam, jointly organised by the state and the Travancore Devaswom Board, would be the first worldwide congregation of Ayyappa devotees. Ministers from Karnataka and Telangana, Union ministers from Kerala, opposition leaders, and over 3,000 delegates are expected.
“This is an opportunity to listen to Ayyappas from across the world,” Vasavan said, adding that the conclave would strictly follow rituals and traditions. He also highlighted the government’s ₹1,300 crore Sabarimala master plan, which includes an airport and railway line by 2028.
Education Minister V Sivankutty dismissed BJP’s threat of protest, saying Chandrasekhar was “living in a dream.” “How can you block a state’s Chief Minister? That arrogance comes only from believing the Centre will back you. Such things won’t happen in Kerala,” he said.
DMK Hits Back
DMK organisational secretary TKS Elangovan defended Stalin’s participation, calling the BJP’s criticism baseless. “If invited, he will attend. This is not about worship but an event of historical significance,” he said, branding BJP leaders “a bunch of crooks.”
