Kerala LoP Satheesan Slams CPI(M) Over Global Ayyappa Sangamam

Opposition criticises Global Ayyappa Sangamam as political appeasement move

Kerala Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan on Tuesday accused the Left government of attempting to appease “majority communalism” through the upcoming Global Ayyappa Sangamam scheduled at Pampa on September 20. The event is being organised by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) in association with the Kerala government.

Speaking to reporters, Satheesan questioned the CPI(M)’s newfound interest in Sabarimala and alleged that the initiative is politically motivated.“In the name of Sabarimala they are carrying out appeasement of majority communalism. They have been doing this since their defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections,” the Congress leader remarked.

He also suggested that the CPI(M) should collaborate with the Sangh Parivar, claiming both sides share similar positions on several issues. The opposition, he said, had not been invited to the programme.

Political Reactions Around the Event

The BJP criticised the event, calling it a “drama” staged ahead of the elections to mislead the people. The controversy intensified after the Kerala government invited Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin and his son Udhayanidhi Stalin to participate. The BJP warned that its workers would resist their presence at the shrine.

Subsequently, CM Stalin informed his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan that he would not be able to attend due to prior commitments but would send two of his Ministers as representatives.

Significance of the Event

The Global Ayyappa Sangamam is intended to highlight the cultural and spiritual importance of Sabarimala, home to the revered hill-top shrine of Lord Ayyappa. However, with political controversies mounting, the event has turned into a flashpoint between the ruling Left, the opposition Congress, and the BJP.