A massive political row has erupted in Kerala after flags of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI)—the youth wing of the CPI(M)—were displayed and songs glorifying the ruling party were played at a temple festival in Kollam district.
Travancore Devaswom Board president P.S. Prasanth has ordered a vigilance inquiry into the incident.
"We have ordered a vigilance probe into the matter, and once its report is received, strict action will be taken against those responsible," he said.
Lashing out at the ruling party, opposition leader V.D. Satheesan asked whether they were trying to create conflict in the society and make room for the BJP.
"Does this person have no other place to sing? Why are the devotees being asked if they know Pushpan? This is a shameless party. Is their goal to create conflict there and make room for the BJP... The problem is that the arrogance of power has gone to their heads," he said.
The incident took place on March 10 during the Thiruvathira festival at Kadakkal Devi temple. According to local media reports, when singer Aghoshi sang pro-Left songs including 'Pushpane ariyamo...' and 'Nooru pookale..', CPI(M) and DYFI flags were allegedly displayed on the LED screen on the stage and a few people from the audience raised the slogan 'Inquilab Zindabad'.
TDB president Prasanth told a TV channel that courts have prohibited the display of political flags and symbols on the temple premises. The Board had already issued a circular regarding this to all temples under its control.
He said the board will discuss the issue in detail in its meeting scheduled for March 19 in Thiruvananthapuram.
