Madhoor: BJP launches Rath Yatra to "protect" tradition of Ayyappa Temple
Kasaragod, Nov 8: The BJP in Kerala Thursday embarked on a Rath yatra from here to "protect" the traditions and rituals of the hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala, which recently witnessed violent protests against the entry of women of menstruating age group.
The main Opposition Congress is also launching a series of yatras from Kasaragod, Alappuzha, Thiruvananthapuram, Thodupuzha and Palakkad to protect the faith, fight communalism and explain to the people the "politicisation" of the Sabarimala issue by the CPI(M) and saffron parties.
Speaking at the inaugural function of the 'Sabarimala Samrakshana Yatra', former Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa sought the immediate intervention of the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government to end tensions at the hill shrine.
The Kerala government should "apply its mind" and show seriousness to end the impasse at Sabarimala, he said.
"We are not against the SC verdict. But sentiments of the people should be respected by one and all," he said, holding the ruling LDF and Congress-led opposition UDF responsible for the present impasse.
The Karnataka Opposition leader later flagged off the rath yatra being led jointly by BJP state President, P S Sreedharan Pillai and Bharat Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS) President Thushar Vellappally, from Madhur Siddhivinayaka temple here.
The Rath Yatra will conclude at Erumeli near Sabarimala on November 13, when the Supreme Court is to consider the review petitions against its September 28 verdict permitting women of all age groups to offer prayers at the Lord Ayyappa shrine.
Meanwhile, Kerala PCC Working President, K Sudhakaran will take out a rally from Kasaragod this evening which will be inaugurated by senior Congress leader, M M Hassan.
Various Congress leaders will also be leading rallies from different districts in the coming days which will all culminate at Pathanamthitta, where the Sabarimala shrine is located, on November 15.
During the yatra, Congress will inform the people how the Sabarimala issue was "politicised" by the ruling CPI(M) and BJP, KPCC President Mullappally Ramachandran said.
BJP-RSS and various other Hindu outfits have been on the warpath against the Left government's decision to implement the apex court verdict.
The main opposition Congress has also made it clear that they were with the devotees.
The Ayyappa temple opened Monday for the second time in three weeks for a two-day "Sree Chitra Atta Thirunal" special puja amid unprecedented security over apprehension of protests by those opposing the Supreme Court order, allowing women of menstrual age.
Tension had prevailed at the temple Tuesday as nearly 200 frenzied devotees tried to prevent a woman pilgrim, whom they suspected to be of menstrual age, from entering, prompting police to register cases against 200 persons.
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PM Modi speaks to Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu, discusses West Asia situation
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke to his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, to discuss the West Asia situation and conveyed India's concerns.
During his telephonic conversation with Netanyahu, Modi emphasised the safety of civilians as a priority.
"Had a telephone call with PM Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the current regional situation. Conveyed India's concerns over recent developments and emphasised the safety of civilians as a priority. India reiterates the need for an early cessation of hostilities," Modi said in a post on 'X'.
The telephonic conversation took place in the wake of the attack on Iran by the US and Israel and the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran also fired a series of missiles towards Israel and several other West Asian countries.
Prime Minister Modi on Sunday night spoke to the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and strongly condemned the attacks on the Gulf nation, saying India stands in solidarity with the UAE in these difficult times.
Had a telephone call with PM Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the current regional situation. Conveyed India's concerns over recent developments and emphasised the safety of civilians as a priority. India reiterates the need for an early cessation of hostilities.@netanyahu
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 1, 2026
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