Political parties propagating their agenda will affect secularism of the country, say experts.
N.Jayaram, president of Ayyappa Seva Samajam said, “It is necessary to free the temples from Government control.” Dr. B.N. Mahesh Kumar, National Secretary, Akhila Bharath Asangatith Purohith Karmika Parishath said, “Sabarimala temple in Kerala is an example of the negligence of government towards temples.” The government and the police don’t show any respect to the pilgrims coming to the temple and the money collected from the temple is invested in other projects instead of using it for the development of the temple, he alleged.
However, according to Article 25 (a), states have the power to control economic, financial, political or other secular activities which may be associated with religious practice.
Holding poojas in temples in a ritualistic manner to preserve their sanctity, protecting ancient temples, resolving the problems faced by the temples, providing basic facilities to the devotees, and safeguarding the traditions of the temples, were the other demands put forward by the Samajam.
However, Ajith Kumar, a Travancore Devaswom Board member said, “The Kerala government created bodies like the Travancore Devaswom Board for the development of the temple.The government has allotted Rs. 30 crore in 2023 for the development of the temple as part of the Sabarimala Master Plan.”
Vincent Joseph, a lawyer from Kerala said, “Some political parties are acting according to their propaganda which will affect the secularism of the country. No government can take the revenue generated from the temple and use it for other projects. There are laws in place which need to be followed.”
