Varma alleges TDB not with devotees over Sabarimala

Pandalam Royal family representative Sasikumar Varma has alleged that TDB, the administrative body of temples in Kerala, is not with the devotees.

The Government and the TDB are not with the devotees to protect customs and traditions, Varma said while reacting to TDB’s stand in Supreme Court which considered the review petitions on Sabarimala on Wednesday.

Earlier, TDB President A Padmakumar said TDB’s stand in SC to support women entry was not due to the pressure from the Left Government.

The TDB supported the September 28 SC verdict allowing the entry for women of all ages into Lord Ayyappa temple.

The TDB will not support gender discrimination even in religious matters and it also filed review petitions against the SC verdict, he added.

But, we asked the court allow more time to implement the order, he added.

Reacting to the incident, Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala said the Government was deliberately hurting the sentiments of Ayyappa devotees for political gain.

The TDB took the stand against devotees following pressure from the Government, he alleged.

BJP and Congress also criticised the TDB and the Government for their stand against devotees in SC.(UNI)