Political Showdown Over Sabarimala: Venugopal Challenges Kerala CM

AICC general secretary K C Venugopal has challenged Kerala's Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, to clarify his stance on the entry of women into the Sabarimala temple. Venugopal criticized the Kerala government's evasive position in the Supreme Court and questioned its accountability towards Sabarimala devotees and temple traditions.

Amid the heated political climate surrounding the upcoming April 9 Assembly polls, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal intensified his attack on the Kerala government regarding the controversial Sabarimala women entry issue.

Venugopal criticized Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for his alleged "evasive stand" on the matter in the Supreme Court, and highlighted the lack of clarification from the state government, especially following the recent Kerala Pulayar Mahasabha conference. He accused the government of playing "hide and seek" by suggesting that the Supreme Court should decide on the issue after consulting religious scholars.

Reiterating the Congress party's stand against the entry of women of menstruating age into the sacred hill shrine, Venugopal urged Chief Minister Vijayan to take a clear stance. He warned that the public expects a direct yes or no answer, and failure to provide clarity would result in judgment from the people.

(With inputs from agencies.)