Ayyappa Sangamam brings Kerala CPM closer to Hindu outfits

A message of UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath, apart from that of Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin, that was read out at the event, gave an edge to the left front government as the BJP and Sangh parivar outfits were opposed to the event.

The Global Ayyappa Sangamam held on the banks of the Pamba river near Sabarimala on Saturday seems to have helped the CPM-led Left Democratic Front government in Kerala strengthen rapport with various Hindu outfits apart from discussing various development needs of the hill shrine.

The day-long event witnessed the participation of prominent leaders of most Hindu religious and community outfits like the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalanayogam and Nair Service Society that represents the two prominent Hindu communities -Ezhava and Nair respectively.

Even as some Sangh Parivar outfits, including BJP, initially strongly opposed the event, they later toned down the stand as the prominent Hindu outfits supported the event. The Congress also refused to make a boycott call even as they abstained from the event citing the Pinarayi government's stands during the Sabarimla women entry issue during 2018-19. The Ayyappa sangamam went off smoothly without any protests.

In his inaugural speech Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan quoted Bhagavad Gita to criticise those opposing the Global Ayyappa Sangamam. "It is not difficult to realise real devotees. Bhagavad Gita tells about qualities of real devotees in its 12th chapter. This event is a gathering of people with those qualities. Those who tried to sabotage this event by even going up to the Supreme Court have vested agendas," said Vijayan targeting BJP-Sangh Parivar outfits as well as the Congress.

Even as many state governments were invited to the event, only two ministers from Tamil Nadu, HR&CE minister P K Sekarbabu and IT minister  Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, turned up.

Travancore Devaswom Board president P S Prasanth in his welcome address specifically named all the Hindu religious and community outfits that turned up for the event. Scores of devotees who regularly visit the hill shrine from other states and countries, including some Sri Lankan nationals were also present at the event that was held as part of the platinum jubilee of the devaswom board that manages the Ayyappa temple.

Even as the state government was expecting around 3,500 delegates at the event, a large chunk of participants were employees of various government establishments.

Discussions on various development projects of Sabarimla like the rope way, better queue management system and improving transport facilities were held. Delegates were also given the opportunity to give suggestions. Devaswom minister V N Vasavan said that the suggestions  received would be considered  while finalising the development plans.

While there were criticisms that  pictures of Pinarayi Vijayan were given more prominence than that of Lord Ayyappa in the hoardings of the event displayed at various parts of state, the venue of the event only has the images of Lord Ayyappa.