Kochi: The BJP Yuva Morcha staged a protest against the Kerala government in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday, expressing concerns over the mismanagement of the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Protesters attempted to cross barricades, and the police used water cannons to disperse them. Prior to the protest, Sabarimala devotees blocked the Pamba-Erumeli road in protest against the alleged hours-long wait at Nilakkal due to police blocking vehicles, affecting women, children, and the elderly.

In a statement, the BJP's Kerala unit criticized the INDI Alliance and state governments for persecuting Hindu believers and accused them of eradicating ancient faith, citing visible scars at Sabarimala Temple. The BJP Kerala affirmed its commitment to defending the rights and beliefs of devotees, pledging to safeguard Sanatana Dharma.

The Congress also criticized the Pinarayi Vijayan government's handling of devotees at the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Leader of the opposition VD Satheesan demanded the deployment of central forces to address the issue, citing mismanagement, lack of transport facilities, medical support, drinking water, and food shortages reported by many devotees.

Refuting the allegations, Travancore Devaswom Board President PS Prashanth dismissed the claim of inadequate amenities at Sabarimala as politically motivated. However, he acknowledged a surge in pilgrims and a shift change in police duty, leading to temporary difficulties. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan directed coordinated efforts to address the situation without inconveniencing pilgrims.

In the first 19 days of the Mandalam season, Sabarimala received 62,000 pilgrims, with a steep rise to 88,000 in the following four days. The Chief Minister extended darshan timings and suggested limiting spot bookings to emergency situations to manage the increased footfall effectively.

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