BJP Leader Calls for CM's Arrest in Sabarimala Rituals Row
BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar made a strong statement on Thursday. He said if Sabarimala tanthri Kandararu Rajeevaru gets jailed for violating rituals, then chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan should face arrest first. Chandrasekhar accused Vijayan of orchestrating the breach of customs at the hill shrine in 2018.
Reference to Women's Entry at Temple
Chandrasekhar's comments clearly pointed to the entry of women at Sabarimala. This followed the Supreme Court order. He spoke at a news conference in Delhi. The BJP leader emphasized his party does not want to protest against the tanthri or others linked to the gold scam.
"BJP only aims to protect the faith of Sabarimala devotees and all Keralites," Chandrasekhar stated. He added the party does not need to protect the tanthri. However, he noted the charges against the tanthri involve ritual violations.
Chandrasekhar questioned the grounds for taking the tanthri into custody. He said the remand report lacked sufficient reasons.
Attack on CPM and Congress Campaigns
The BJP leader accused CPM and Congress of running false campaigns. He claimed they target the Union government to divert public attention from real issues. Chandrasekhar asked why mediators like Unnikrishnan Potti met Congress leader Sonia Gandhi with Kerala MPs.
Defense of VB-G RAM G Scheme
Chandrasekhar also addressed protests by Congress and CPM against the VB-G RAM G scheme. He called these protests unfounded. He explained the scheme increases guaranteed working days under MGNREGA from 100 to 125.
Comparing fund allocations, Chandrasekhar highlighted a significant rise. The UPA government allocated Rs 2.35 lakh crore to MGNREGA. In contrast, the Narendra Modi-led government provided Rs 7.83 lakh crore over ten years.
Allegations of MGNREGA Irregularities in Kerala
Chandrasekhar made serious allegations about MGNREGA in Kerala. He said at least 14% of beneficiaries in the state are bogus. Fake works worth Rs 1,000 crore were detected under the scheme in Kerala.
He asserted such irregularities would not happen under the VB-G RAM scheme. Chandrasekhar added Congress worries about this strict scrutiny. His statements aim to counter opposition criticism while defending BJP policies.
