Govt. reversed Sabarimala stand in the wake of coming elections: K.C. Venugopal

AICC general secretary and MP, K.C. Venugopal has alleged that the State government changed its stand on the issue of women’s entry at Sabarimala in the wake of coming Assembly elections, calling it a desperate attempt to escape the difficult political situation it currently faces.

Addressing media persons in Guruvayur on Saturday, Mr. Venugopal said the government’s shift in position could only be seen as a political U-turn driven by electoral compulsions.

He said such a stance should have been taken much earlier. According to him, had the government adopted a conciliatory approach soon after the Supreme Court verdict and informed the court about the practical difficulties in implementing the order, the State could have avoided the unrest and tensions that followed.

“Devotees would not have faced hardships, properties would not have been damaged and many people would not have been forced to face legal cases,” he said, blaming the CPI(M)’s “anti-faith” position for the crisis.

Responding to questions about candidate selection and whether Members of Parliament would contest in the upcoming elections, Mr. Venugopal said the final decision would be taken by the party High Command.

When asked about speculation regarding K. Sudhakaran possibly joining the BJP, Venugopal dismissed the suggestion, saying, “You will have to look elsewhere for that.”

Venugopal also rejected the notion that Mr. Sudhakaran had returned to Kannur out of resentment, pointing out that he had been present in Parliament from Friday to Thursday and had actively participated in discussions. He said Sudhakaran’s recent social media post reflected his affection for Kannur and the party.

“Ultimately, everyone in the party shares a single goal — to ensure the victory of the UDF and bring an end to the current government. The people are waiting for that change, and no Congress leader will act in a way that disappoints them,” he said.

Mr. Venugopal also criticised the State government over the law and order situation, referring to the recent murder in Karunagappally where a man was chased in a car and hacked to death in broad daylight.

“This incident is the biggest example of the breakdown of law and order in the State. The murder took place when the victim had gone to a police station seeking protection,” he said.