In Pandalam, Kerala, former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai fired sharp criticism at Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during the launch of the Sabarimala Protection Sangamam on Monday. The event brought together Hindu organizations and received strong backing from the BJP’s Kerala unit, highlighting ongoing tensions around the famous Sabarimala temple.
Just days earlier, the Travancore Devaswom Board wrapped up a global gathering of Ayyappa devotees as part of its Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Vijayan himself kicked off that event, which drew pilgrims from around the world to honor Lord Ayyappa.
Annamalai didn’t hold back on Vijayan’s past statements. “It’s ironic that a man who once said there’s no God is now teaching the Bhagavad Gita,” he said. He also called out Vijayan for dismissing Lord Ganapati as a myth, only to turn around and lecture on Hindu scriptures. “This is pure double standards,” Annamalai added.
Drawing parallels to the heated 2018 Sabarimala protests—where women’s entry into the temple sparked massive unrest—Annamalai warned that similar drama is brewing again in Pathanamthitta district. He questioned the guest list for Kerala’s recent Ayyappa congregation, asking who truly represented the devotees.
Annamalai also took aim at his home state’s leader, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. He accused Stalin and the DMK party of trying to erode Sanatana Dharma, the ancient Hindu way of life. “The DMK held a Global Murugan Sangamam, and now Kerala does an Ayyappa event. But neither Stalin nor Vijayan has the credentials to guide these spiritual gatherings,” Annamalai declared.
Pulling from the Bhagavad Gita, he pointed out verses that describe the kind of people headed for downfall. “Pinarayi Vijayan matches that perfectly. He should read that section and take a good look in the mirror,” Annamalai quipped.
These remarks come amid rising debates in Kerala and Tamil Nadu over faith, traditions, and how politics mixes with religion. The Sabarimala issue remains a hot-button topic, especially with women’s rights clashing against age-old customs at the hilltop shrine. Annamalai’s words are likely to fuel even more discussion on Hindu temple controversies and BJP’s pushback against ruling parties.
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