Amit Shah backs Sabarimala devotees, slams Kerala govt on arrest of protesters
Kannur (Ker), Oct 27 : BJP president Amit Shah Saturday extended full support to the protest by Ayyappa devotees against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's decision to implement the Supreme court order on entry of women of all ages into Sabarimala temple, saying the Left government was trying to "suppress" the agitation by force.
Addressing party workers after inaugurating the district BJP office here, Shah said the state government was using police force to challenge the protest by devotees.
He condemned the arrest of over 2,000 devotees, including RSS and Sangh Parivar activists, across the state agitating against the entry of women of all ages into the temple.
Shah, who began his speech with 'Swamiya Saranam Ayyappa' mantra, said the LDF government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan would have to pay a "heavy price" if the suppression of the agitation continues.
In a warning to Vijayan, he said the effort by his government to clamp down on the agitation amounted to "playing with fire".
"Chief Minister must stop the brutality in the name of implementing the SC verdict," he said adding that even women in the state were against the government move to implement the top court's order.
Alleging that the Left government was trying to "destroy" Sabarimala temple and the "Hindu traditions," the BJP chief said the saffron party won't allow the CPI(M)-led government to "gamble with Hindu faith."
"There is no restriction for women to offer prayers in any other Ayyappa temple... The uniqueness of the Sabarimala shrine has to be protected," he said.
"The communist government is conspiring against temples. They have created an emergency like situation in Kerala," he added.
Recalling that the Left government had not implemented several court orders before, Shah said the court order in the matter should be implemented by respecting the sentiments of devotees.
Making it clear that the saffron party was all set to make the Sabarimala issue one of its main agendas in the state, he concluded his speech by asking party workers to call "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa."
The temple had witnessed high drama with around a dozen women in 10-50 age group being prevented from entering the temple by protesting devotees after the doors were opened for all women following the apex court verdict.
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CEC orders immediate arrest of those involved in post-poll violence in Bengal: Official
Kolkata (PTI): Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar directed the authorities concerned to immediately arrest those involved in post-poll violence and vandalism in West Bengal, an official said on Wednesday.
The Election Commission's directive came after two persons were killed in alleged incidents of post-poll violence in the state on Tuesday, besides scores of party offices being ransacked.
The CEC issued instructions to the West Bengal chief secretary, director general of police, Kolkata police commissioner and directors general of central armed police forces, along with all district magistrates, superintendents of police and other officials, to maintain continuous patrolling in sensitive areas, he said.
"Those responsible for inciting violence and carrying out acts of vandalism must be arrested immediately," the official said, quoting the CEC's instruction.
The chief election commissioner also stressed the need for swift and firm enforcement of the law, he added.
This directive came amid concerns over law and order in parts of the state, with the Election Commission closely monitoring the situation, he added.
"We have been asked to remain on high alert and ensure that any attempt to disturb peace is dealt with firmly," a senior police officer said.
The state authorities have intensified vigil across districts, with coordinated efforts between the police and central forces to prevent any untoward incident, he added.
The assembly elections were held in West Bengal in two phases - April 23 and 29. The counting of votes took place on May 4.
The BJP sealed a landslide victory with 207 seats in the 294-member assembly, ending the TMC's uninterrupted 15-year rule in the state.
