Countering the criticisms of trying to mislead the people hurled by the Left Front and the BJP, the Congress on Saturday made public a draft law to protect the faiths and traditions over the shrine.
The draft law titled Sabarimala Devotees (protection of religious customs and practices) empowers the chief priest of the temple with the authority to impose regulations in the temple in consultation with Travancore Devaswom Board that manages the temple. A prison term of up to two years was also warranted to those violating the regulations.
In the run-up to the upcoming Assembly elections, the Congress has been raising the Sabarimala women entry issue by assuring a law to protect faith in Sabarimala if the party comes to power. They also demanded the ruling CPM and BJP to make their positions on the issue clear.
The CPM and the BJP accused the party of making false promises ahead of polls. To counter this, Congress went a step ahead by bringing out the draft law.
Deccan Herald is on WhatsApp Channels| Join now for Breaking News & Editor's Picks