Devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran tells Prayar to apologise for talk

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran on Friday hit out at Travancore Devaswom Board president Prayar Gopalakrishnan for insulting women and Ayyappa devotees through his highly objectionable statements. The minister said he came across Prayar's statement that he would not allow Sabarimala to be turned into Thailand. “What an absurd parallel he has drawn?” the minister asked.

Mr Surendran said there was no ban on women below 10 and above 50 years of age to enter the temple. Prayar has insulted them as well. On what basis is he saying that even if court allowed, women with dignity will not enter Sabarimala? Are all people who climb the hill shrine bad? he asked. The minister said that “culture less blabber” from people occupying important positions was unacceptable. The state government has no prejudice against the court verdict. Whatever may be the court verdict it would be binding on the state government and the devaswom board equally, he added.

Surendran said under these circumstances the devaswom board president has challenged the court, Sabarimala temple, devotees and the women community. If allowing women to enter Sabarimala irrespective of age barrier would lead to unethical activities as Prayar suspects, then what image is he painting of temples where there is no restriction based on gender or age.