UDF demands House panel to probe Sabarimala works

Says Chief Minister avoiding discussion on the matter

The United Democratic Front (UDF) on Thursday formally demanded the setting up of a joint Assembly committee to conduct a probe into the status of the ongoing restoration and development works in Sabarimala.

Addressing a press conference here soon after a shortened sitting of the Assembly, Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala, accompanied by leaders of other constituent parties, said the Chief Minister was avoiding a discussion in the House because restoration and development works remained incomplete.

Earlier, the Opposition UDF had created a ruckus inside the House demanding suspension of Question Hour to take up discussion on an adjournment motion on the status of Sabarimala in the post-flood period. But the Speaker refused to give in on the grounds that the same issue had been raised the previous day.

Mr. Chennithala alleged that the pilgrim footfall in Sabarimala this year had come down drastically mainly on account of the police curbs, agitation of RSS-BJP against entry of women into the temple and lack of basic amenities for pilgrims. It was the fundamental responsibility of the government and agencies such as the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to establish the necessary facilities for pilgrims. A UDF delegation that visited Sabarimala could see for itself the woeful situation in the sacred hills.

The attitude of the government could be seen from the approach of the Chief Minister who neither visited the place or conducted the customary review of the preparedness for the pilgrim season. The High Court decision to appoint a three-member panel on Sabarimala was a reflection of the miserable failure of the State government.

He alleged that the government was afraid of facing a debate on the Sabarimala issue since it had failed in its strategy to help the BJP grow roots in the State.

IUML leader M.K. Muneer, who was part of the delegation, alleged that the Chief Minister had usurped the powers of the Speaker in deciding whether a notice for an adjournment motion should be allowed. He narrated the woes of pilgrims and administrative staff, including police men, who were facing difficult times owing to lack of basic facilities. Mr. Mani wanted the government to apologise to the people for the hardship caused by unnecessary curbs.

In reply to a question on the BJP plan to call off its agitations, Mr. Chennithala said that if the BJP were to end its agitations and the government withdraw the current curbs, peace would return to Sabarimala.