: The Opposition Congress Monday termed as 'shocking', RSS leader Valsan Thillankeri's remarks that he and some others had checked the age proof of women police officers at Sannidhanam (temple complex) at Sabarimala on November 6.
Thillankeri had yesterday said at a public function that he and others had the "privilege of inspecting the age proof of 15 women police officials deployed at Sabarimala" when the shrine was opened for a special pooja on November 6 on the occassion of Sree Chitira Atta Thirunal.
"This statement proves that Sabarimala was under the control of RSS. Thillankeri not only spoke over megaphone of the police, but now it has come to light that he even checked the age proof of women police officials. This is a complete failure of the government," Chennithala alleged.
He said that it was a matter of shame that the police was acting "as per the whims and fancies of the RSS."
"This affects the morale of the police force. The Chief Minister, who handles the Home department, must address this issue," Chennithala said.
Meanwhile senior Congress leader M M Hasan said only the union government can bring in an ordinance to solve the Sabarimala issue.
He alleged that both the LDF and the BJP were trying to gain political mileage out of the Sabarimala issue.
"BJP leader P S Sreedharan Pillai must organise a protest march to Delhi, instead of Sabarimala. Wihout preasurising the central government for an ordinance, BJP is trying to fuel communalism in the state," Hasan alleged.
The centuries old restrictions on entry of women devotees between the 10-50 age group worshipping in the shrine had been lifted by the Supreme Court on September 28.
With the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front government making it clear that it was constitutionally bound to implement the verdict, devotees and right wing outfits had launched massive protests and prayer marches against entry of young women.
Over 3,700 people had been arrested for violence during Sabarimala protests across the state after the apex court ruling.
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