Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said the government was not prepared for a confrontation with devotees on the Sabarimala issue and it had only tried to implement the Supreme Court verdict that was applicable to every one in the country.
Addressing a rally organised by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) to explain the government stand on the entry of women of all age groups to Sabarimala, the Chief Minister maintained that it was the responsibility of the State government to implement the Supreme Court verdict.
He alleged that there was a devious attempt to destroy the secular mind of the people of Kerala. The Congress had joined with the BJP in this mission. He also referred to the attempts to isolate the government from the devotees. The Congress high command had termed the Supreme Court verdict ‘path-breaking’. Oommen Chandy and Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala had welcomed it. Soon after this, a group of people launched a protest in an unethical manner that forced the Congress to line up behind this, he said.
The turnout at the rally was quite impressive, with people braving the sudden outburst of rain to listen to the Chief Minister’s speech.
Behera’s directive
Meanwhile, State Police Chief Loknath Behera has given directions to all range Inspectors General of Police and District Police Chiefs to take stern action against those creating roadblocks and screening vehicles of pilgrims heading towards Sabarimala. He has directed the subordinate officials to register cases against those who indulge in such acts.
