BJP slams Kerala govt. for denying permission to Tirunavaya Mahamaagha fest

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has warned the State government against attempts to block the Mahamaagha Mahotsavam scheduled to be held at Tirunavaya in the district from January 19. BJP Palakkad zonal general secretary K.K. Surendran said here on Tuesday (January 13, 2025) that the government’s move could lead to serious consequences.

He condemned the government for preventing the ongoing construction work in the Bharatapuzha as part of the preparations for Mahamaagha Mahotsavam, describing it as an open challenge to Hindu faith.

Mr. Surendran warned that the government would have to pay a heavy price if it stopped the Mahotsavam, scheduled from January 19 to February 3. “It is a festival similar to the Kumbh Mela. Preventing it is part of a larger conspiracy to destroy Hindu customs and festivals,” he said.

“Governor Rajendra Arlekar is to inaugurate the Mahamaagha Mahotsavam on January 19. Denying permission for the event is part of a political conspiracy,” Mr. Surendran said.

He said the authorities, including district-level revenue and police officials, had been approached several times but they kept delaying the matter, assuring that permission would be granted. “When the organisers finally tried to meet the Chief Minister, they were denied an appointment,” he said.

The BJP leader accused the government of deliberately attempting to create a law and order issue by denying permission for the festival, which is expected to attract thousands of devotees from South India.