Placeholder canvas

Sabarimala verdict doesn’t consider people’s traditions, says Mohan Bhagwat

Date:

Amid huge anti-women protests and violence at Kerala’s Sabarimala temple and a right-wing 12 hour statewide strike, Rashtraiya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said that people feel the Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all ages into the temple did not take into account the long-held traditions.

“The premise of the tradition that has been accepted by society and continuously followed for years together was not taken into consideration. The version of heads of religious denominations and faith of crores of devotees was not taken into account,” he said in his traditional Vijaya Dashami speech.

ALSO READ: Sabarimala temple opens but angry protesters keep women, under 50, out

Sabarimala opened for prayers on Wednesday, the first time after Supreme Court order that struck down the centuries old ban on the entry of women in the age group of 10 years to 50 years. But not a single woman set foot inside the temple as protesters stopped them.

Through the day, hundreds of protesters, camping out at the base camp of Nilakkal and Pamba – the last stop on the 18.4 km trek – barred women from reaching the hilltop shrine.

Journalists, most of them women, who had gone to cover the story were harassed, abused and in some cases, physically attacked.  On Thursday morning a woman journalist from New York Times on way to the temple was forced to turn back midway despite having police escort.

ALSO READ: #MeToo & Sabarimala; has the Indian woman ‘finally arrived’

Right wing groups have called a statewide day-long bandh over the police action on protesters, which took place in at the end of the day. The state BJP is supporting the shutdown. The Congress has not openly supported the bandh but has struck to the traditional view in its response to this issue.

Kerala chief minister reacted to this blamed the RSS for the protests.

 

Sabarimala has a uniqueness that other temples lack; it allows entry for people of all faith. Sangh Parivar and RSS have always been intolerant of this fact. They have made many attempts to erase this distinction of Sabarimala.

In his Vijayadashami speech, Bhagwat said that ‘decisions taken without considering all aspects and patiently creating the mindset of the society, will neither be adopted in actual practice nor will they help in creating a new social order in tune with changing times and positions.”

“The situation arising out of the recent verdict on Sabarimala Temple shows similar predicament. The nature and premise of the tradition that has been accepted by society and continuously followed for years together were not taken into consideration,” Bhagawat added.

The RSS chief further stated that in the context of honouring the ‘Swa’ of the nation, the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya ‘is necessary from the self-esteem point of view,’ adding that ‘it will also pave the way for an atmosphere of goodwill and oneness in the country.’

“This matter of national interest is being obstructed by some fundamentalist elements and forces that play communal politics for selfish gains,” Bhagwat said. “The place of Janmabhoomi is yet to be allocated for the construction of the temple although all kinds of evidence have affirmed that there was a temple at that place. There is an obvious game-plan of a few elements to stall the judgment by presenting various newer interventions in the judicial process. It is in nobody’s interest to test the patience of the society without any reason,” the ‘Sarsanghchalak’ said.

ALSO READ: All you need to know about Sabarimala protest in Kerala

Bhagwat further underscored that the initiatives being taken to enhance the armed forces and their morale is one of the factors for the country’s rise in prominence in the world.

“Border Security and internal security of the country are the issues of foremost consideration for prosperity and development. In this regard efforts are being initiated and accelerated to enhance the morale of our armed and security forces, making them well-equipped and to provide them with the latest technologies. Along with this, it is essential to be more attentive in enhancing the basic amenities of armed and security forces and their families. There have been some laudable efforts in this regard by the government. This is one of the reasons that the prestige of Bharat is rising in the world.”

Click here for Latest News updates and viral videos on our AI-powered smart news genie

 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Share post:

Subscribe

Popular

More like this
Related

Fact Check: Mohan Bhagwat-Led RSS NOT Supporting INDIA Bloc

A video alleging that the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh...

India’s ‘Election King’ Prepares For 239th Bid Despite Record Of Defeats

New Delhi: K Padmarajan, a 65-year-old tyre repair shop...

Robert F. Kennedy Jr Chooses Nicole Shanahan As His Running Mate For 2024 Polls

Nicole Shanahan, 38 is a California lawyer and philanthropist, and brings fresh energy to Kennedy Jr's bid, focusing on issues such as women's reproductive science, criminal justice reform and environment

US Reiterates Call For Fair Legal Process On Kejriwal’s Arrest; Mentions Cong’s Frozen Accounts

New Delhi: The United States reaffirmed its stance on...