BJP Andhra chief alleges conspiracy against Sabarimala, calls for Hindu unity

BJP Andhra Pradesh president P V N Madhav has accused forces of conspiring against Hinduism and the Sabarimala temple’s traditions, and called on Hindus to unite to protect the shrine. He made the remarks at a state-level convention of Ayyappa Guruswamis in Vijayawada on Sunday.

Madhav demanded an institutional mechanism on the lines of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) for Sabarimala, saying the Kerala government should allocate land for shelters and facilitate organisations providing services to pilgrims. He said an action plan would address issues flagged by Guruswamis including inadequate medical help and lack of basic facilities during the pilgrimage season from 15 November to 20 January.

The BJP state chief said he would approach the Centre for additional train services from the Telugu states, and urged the Andhra Pradesh coalition government to join the Centre’s legal proceedings on Sabarimala. He alleged attempts were being made to exploit the temple’s assets, including its gold, and said permanent solutions to devotees' problems should be found within a year.