Sabarimala entry for women: CM cites Mannath to counter NSS stand

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has given a clarification to the Nair Service Society (NSS) over the Sabarimala issue citing NSS founder-leader Mannathu Padmanabhan.

In his one-hour long press conference, Vijayan highlighted the involvement of the NSS leader in progressive movements such as the Vaikom Satyagraha.

“It is relevant to recall the role of Mannath Padmanabhan during the renaissance movement. He fought against the wrong practices which were prevalent in the community. Kerala progressed through such social reformation,” Pinarayi said.

“Earlier, there was a notion not to interfere with religious practices. However, national institutions changed this stand and revolutionary movements like Vaikom Satyagraha were the result of this policy change. Renaissance institutions have brought major changes to the lives of Kerala women community,” he said.

The CM also asked not to link the SC verdict with Kerala's social progress. He affirmed that the LDF government was not behind the SC verdict and it was not the state government's stand that prompted the SC to take that decision.

‘The SC also considered the argument that women of all ages used to visit the temple during monthly rituals," he said.

The Chief Minister had said on Monday that the state government will not move a review petition against the Supreme Court verdict.

Addressing mediapersons, he said since the state had stated in its affidavit in the SC that the verdict would be implemented, the state would not move a review petition.

The state government was not against devotees. The government was ready to hold discussions but would not yield to those who created issues with political issues, he said.

Vijayan alleged that attempts were being made to destroy the unity and secular fabric of Kerala, witnessed during the days of the deluge.