The undue haste shown by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the Sabarimala issue was turned into a golden opportunity by the BJP, actor Prakash Raj said. “The chief minister should have analyzed the situation thoroughly before rushing to implement the Supreme Court order on entry of young women to the temple,” said the actor.
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“All political parties capitalised on the Sabarimala issue,” he added.
Since the shrine opened for the Mandalam-Makaravilakku festivities on November 17, the Ayyappa temple had witnessed massive protests by devotees and right-wing outfits against the state government's decision to implement the Supreme Court's September 28 verdict, opening its doors to women of all ages to offer prayers.
Traditionally, girls and women in the menstruating age group of 10-50 years were barred from offering prayers at the shrine, the presiding deity of which is "Naishtika Brahamachari" (perennial celibate).
According to police, three women of menstruating age have so far offered prayers at the hill temple during the season.
Prakash Raj also condemned actor Mohanlal’s comment that the #MeToo campaign was a fad. Mohanlal needs to exercise caution while speaking on social issues. “His statement on #MeToo had to be avoided,” Prakash Raj said.
According to Prakash Raj, he was planning to contest from Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha seat as an independent candidate.
On the situation in Tamil Nadu, Prakash Raj said the superstar politics had ended in the state. “The fan following of Kamal Hassan and Rajinikanth won’t translate into votes,” he felt.
