Will go ahead with Global Ayyappa Sangamam, says Govindan

The CPI(M) will not step back from the Global Ayyappa Sangamam, asserted party State secretary M.V. Govindan.

Speaking to reporters here on Tuesday, he said the party stands firmly with devotees and not with communal forces. “We will not retreat just because of criticisms. The CPI(M) is with the devotees, not with communalists,” Mr. Govindan said

When asked whether the party’s stand on women’s entry into Sabarimala would be reconsidered, he responded that the matter was a “closed chapter.”

“There is no need to respond to past issues. The CPI(M) will never take a stand against the faith of devotees,” he added.

Mr. Govindan stressed that attempts to portray the party as being against faith were deliberate campaigns by communal forces. “It is the Devaswom Board that decided on organising the Sangamam, and it has received wide recognition. Religious faith being used for political power is what constitutes communalism,” he said.

Rejecting the claim that the meet was aimed at appeasing the majority, the CPI(M) leader said communal groups were trying to exploit devotees for their own agenda. “To effectively counter communal forces, it is necessary to unite devotees. The global meet has already gathered support from devotees across the world,” he asserted.