Thiruvananthapuram and the wider socio-political landscape of Kerala are currently captivated by discussions surrounding the Global Ayyappa Conclave. While billed as a spiritual gathering to unite devotees of Sabarimala, this event has reignited the long-standing conflict between religious faith and political agendas.
Political Allegations and Counter-Arguments
The Opposition's Critique
Led by V.D. Satheesan, the UDF views the conclave as a politically motivated move by the government. They have demanded clarity on the government's stance regarding the Sabarimala women's entry affidavit and the withdrawal of cases filed during the protests. "Before inviting people to the Global Ayyappa Conclave, the government must clarify its position," Satheesan stated, highlighting the deep-rooted political tensions.
The CPM's Response
In response, M.V. Govindan, the CPM state secretary, has adopted a different tone, asserting that the party has "always been with the believers." He stated that those who try to communalize the women's entry issue for political gain cannot be aligned with the party. Govindan framed the conclave as "merely an effort to unite believers against communalism."
Objections from the BJP and Yogakshema Sabha
The BJP has also voiced its dissent, with leader Kummanam Rajasekharan questioning if the CPM should be organizing an Ayyappa conclave. He also asked if the Chief Minister has faith in Lord Ayyappa. Similarly, Akkiramon Kalidasa Bhattathiri, the head of the Yogakshema Sabha, expressed suspicion, suggesting the event might be a financial or electoral stunt. He emphasized that Sabarimala is a place where rituals must be protected and urged the government to ensure transparency.
Historical Context: The Women's Entry Controversy
The 2018 Supreme Court verdict on women's entry to Sabarimala triggered massive social unrest and protests across Kerala. The issue, which gained legal attention with a letter by Mahendran in 1990 and a subsequent petition by the Indian Young Lawyers Association in 2006, has been kept alive by inconsistent affidavits from successive governments. The government's decision to support the Supreme Court's verdict faced strong public opposition. Later, in December 2020, the government’s clarification that women below the age of 50 would not be able to visit Sabarimala was widely seen as a reversal of its previous stance.
Support from Key Organisations
The decision by the Travancore Devaswom Board to review its affidavit on women's entry, coupled with the support for the conclave from prominent organizations like the NSS, SNDP, and Sivagiri Mutt, lends the event a degree of social legitimacy. N. Sangeeth Kumar, the NSS Vice-President, confirmed their cooperation after receiving assurances from the Devaswam Minister that rituals would not be violated.
The Conclave: Aim and Reality
Organised as part of the Devaswom Board’s platinum jubilee, the conclave aims to bring Ayyappa devotees from around the world together. Scheduled to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the event is expected to host over 3,000 delegates, including Chief Ministers from seven South Indian states and foreign representatives. The discussions will focus on the development of Sabarimala, spirituality, and culture.
Whether this conclave will remain a spiritual gathering or transform into a politically charged platform remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: every decision made in the name of Sabarimala continues to leave a lasting mark on Kerala's political and social history.
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