Devaswom Board refutes UDF allegation of lack of amenities at Sabarimala temple, terms it politically motivated

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], December 12 (ANI): Travancore Devaswom Board president PS Prashanth on Tuesday refuted the Opposition United Democratic Front's (UDF) allegation that there are no basic amenities in Sabarimala temple. He termed the allegation politically motivated.
However, he admitted that due to the sudden surge of pilgrims last weekend, the security personnel could not handle the situation.
"We had seen a sudden surge in the Sabarimala pilgrimage in the weekend. Especially children of age 5-10 were also seen there. At this particular point we had seen a shift change in the police duty and with the sudden surge of pilgrims they were unable to handle. Currently, we have managed it," Prashanth said.
His reaction came after UDF MPs held a protest in front of Mahatma Gandhi's statue in Parliament demanding security for Sabarimala pilgrims.
The protesting MPs demanded basic facilities, safety and security for pilgrims at Sabarimala.
Prashanth said that Darshan time in Sabarimala has been increased to 18 hours from 17 hours.
"We have brought an extra 42 lakhs biscuits, supplying coffee and hot water without any break. It's just a political allegation that there are no basic amenities in Sabarimala," he said.
Prashanth said he would not blame police or any other department for the situation.
"Sabarimala is a geographically challenging place. You have to accept that if the number of pilgrims rises in the coming weekend we will see what to do. Devaswom board is responsible for each and everyone there and we have to do it accordingly," Prashanth said.
NK Premachandran, a leader of the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), alleged that no arrangement has been made by the state government to provide necessary facilities for devotees.
The pilgrims are forced to wait 18 hours for a darshan (sighting of the deity). No medical facilities, drinking water, or transport facilities are available. Sufficient police protection is also not available for the security and safety of the pilgrims."
He added that a girl, aged 8 years, died standing in the queue and yet, the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government took no proactive step for the protection of pilgrims. (ANI)