"Insult to Hindus": BJP's Rajeev Chandrasekhar demands apology from Pinarayi Vijayan, M K Stalin for presence at Ayyappa devotees' meet

Kochi (Kerala) [India], August 24 (ANI): BJP leader and former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar has called out Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, accusing them of disrespecting the Hindu faith and the sacred traditions of Sabarimala.

The remarks come in response to reports that the Communist Party of India (Marxist) government in Kerala has invited Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin for an Ayyappa Sangamam, a religious event to be held in Pampa, Kerala in September. 

Chandrasekhar labelled it as a "drama"  aimed at "fooling people"  and has demanded public apologies from both leaders for their alleged insults to Hindus and Ayyappa devotees.

In his X post, "This is a clear message to @pinarayivijayann, @mkstalin from all the karyakartas of BJP all over and Hindus in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Both of you have, over the years, harmed and insulted Sabarimala, Ayappa bhakts and the Hindu faith. Pinarayi Vijayan has imprisoned many Ayyappa bhakts, cases against many more, inflicted police violence against Ayyappa bhakts and done everything to violate and insult the sacred traditions of Sabarimala. Stalin and his useless dynastic son have repeatedly insulted Hindus and referred to the Hindu faith as a virus, amongst other things.

He further added, "These are deeply etched into every Hindus memory and will never be forgotten or forgiven. So, the CPM Govt celebrating Ayappa Sangamam, a few months before elections, is a drama and part of a "Fool the people" strategy."

Chandrasekhar demanded that Pinarayi Vijayan withdraw all cases against Ayyappa devotees, apologise to those jailed, and seek forgiveness from Lord Ayyappa for violating Sabarimala traditions. Similarly, he called for MK Stalin and his son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, to apologise to Hindus and seek forgiveness if they wish to participate in the event in Kerala.

"Let it to be known to both Pinarayi and Stalin - the only way they can take part in Ayappa Sangamam is if they apologise to Hindus and Sabarimala Ayappa Bhakts. Pinarayi Vijayan must withdraw all cases, apologise to those bhakts who were jailed and seek forgiveness from Lord Ayyappa for violating Sabarimala traditions. Stalin and his useless heir Udaynidhi must apologise to Hindus and seek forgiveness, if they wish to come to Kerala. Without this, if Stalin or Pinarayi try and misuse Sabarimala bhakts or their faith and attend this program, every karyakarta of @BJP4Keralam will come out and resist this," he said in a post on X.

He further warned, saying, "Do not underestimate the strength of our will on this issue. Do not provoke us. Ask for forgiveness first and then do your opportunistic politics. BJP will not permit anyone or any political party to insult any Hindus faith or anyone's faith." (ANI)