Young Women Entered Sabarimala Despite Protests: Kerala Minister MM Mani

Kerala ’s electricity minister MM Mani told reporters on Tuesday that young women have entered the Sabarimala  temple despite protests.

“If we (CPIM) want, we could have one lakh enter the temple and no one would stop us. We have the capability to do that. But that’s not what we do. We give protection to those who want to go,” Mani said during a media interaction in Kothamangalam.

“Has the government said no women have entered the temple?” he asked.

Mani, an MLA from Idukki district, is know for his controversial speeches that have often opened his party up to criticism.

Kerala has seen a series of protests by devotees and political parties since the Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple.

The state government has said it is committed to implementing the top court’s order and provide security to women attempting to trek to the shrine.

The Kerala High Court had earlier this month appointed a three-member committee, vesting them with powers to oversee law and order and other problems faced by pilgrims during the ongoing annual season.