Thiruvananthapuram:The Kerala government has ruled out any rethink on its affidavit filed in the Supreme Court supporting women’s entry into Sabarimala. Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan said on Wednesday that the state would only consider withdrawal if the court specifically seeks its response.
“The government has had no reason to think of such a step. Unless the court asks, the state cannot interfere,” Vasavan told TNIE.
Opposition Demands Withdrawal
Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan demanded clarity on whether the state plans to withdraw the affidavit, while also urging the government to drop pending cases against Ayyappa devotees involved in the 2018–19 protests.
Affidavit Not Linked to Ayyappa Meet
Vasavan clarified that the affidavit had no link to the upcoming Global Ayyappa Sangamam. He said the event is focused on developing Sabarimala into a global pilgrimage hub with improved facilities, not on the entry issue.
Pending Cases and Political Allegations
On the demand to withdraw cases, Vasavan reiterated that only serious cases would continue, subject to court approval. Satheesan accused the LDF government of political hypocrisy, claiming the Ayyappa Meet at the end of its tenure was a diversionary tactic.
He also alleged that the government had failed to allocate funds for Sabarimala development despite earlier sanctions. “This government has done little over the last nine years while previous regimes took steps to expand Sabarimala’s facilities,” Satheesan said.