Will BJP ‘Save’ Sabarimala? Tweeple On Temple Trust’s U-Turn

Twitterati also questioned Congress’ double standards on the issue.

On Wednesday, 6 February, the Travancore Devaswom Board joined the Kerala government in supporting women’s entry into the Sabarimala shrine.

It seemed like a progressive move from the temple trust and many hailed it as a positive shift.

Good to see the Travancore Devaswom Board take the side of reason and justice. "Women cannot be excluded from any walk of life on biological attributes. Equality is the dominant theme of the Constitution", says its advocate in the Supreme Court.https://t.co/NyIuTxoYpw

— Ramachandra Guha (@Ram_Guha) February 6, 2019

The move also raised many questions. What does this mean for the BJP? Will the Modi government ‘save’ Sabarimala? Why is the Congress’ stand on the issue so confusing?

Twitter too reverberated with these questions.

One of the main questions was if this means the end for BJP in Kerala.

Breaking : Travancore Devasom Board which manages Sabarimala temple says we have taken decision to respect SC judgement lifting age restrictions on women entry.

BJP's polls agenda in Kerala done and dusted out?

— ASHUTOSH MISHRA (@ashu3page) February 6, 2019

Pro-Hindutva handles asked if BJP and Congress will act to prevent destruction of “the Hindu way of life in Kerala.”

The Kerala State govt has proved itself determined to destroy the Hindu way of life in Kerala.
Now the ball is in the court of Central Govt. Since BJP & Congress stand with Sabarimala devotees, why don't both parties act and bring a law in the Parliament to #SaveSabarimala ?

— Anjali George (@Kuvalayamala) February 6, 2019

The Sabarimala temple can easily be saved by @narendramodi if he is ready to make a law protecting the unique Ancient Hindu traditions from judicial tyranny.

Will he ?

— Anjali George (@Kuvalayamala) February 6, 2019

Twitterati also commented on the Congress’ stand on the Sabarimala verdict and Devaswom board’s stance. Some were of the view that the Congress was displaying double standards in its approach towards Triple Talaq and Sabarimala.

Promise to allow Triple Talaq but not stand with #Sabarimala devotees!!

Thank you @INCIndia for not even pretending to be secular! You make me feel like a step-child in my Nation...

Embarrassment to progressive polity!

— Gunja Kapoor (@gunjakapoor) February 7, 2019

For Womens’ Equality in Sabarimala but against Womens Rights in Triple Talaq. RaGa ka ye sur samajh mein nahi aaya... Don’t Muslim women matter? Perhaps their vote doesn’t count 🤨Opposing Sarkaars bill to placate Patriarchs? #CongAgainstTeenTalaqBill

— Anand Narasimhan (@AnchorAnandN) February 7, 2019

Others alleged the state Congress leaders and the ones at national leadership had different views on the issue.

Its fun talking to Congress liberals in kerala. When you ask them about Congress's anti women protests in the name of Sabarimala, they respond that they are with the national leadership and don't support the protests.

— Abijith Venu (@Abijith1917) February 6, 2019

"Irresponsible parties have been trying to hijack protests by genuine believers in a bid to reap political dividents" Self criticism on his own party who joined Sabarimala protests along with BJP, in a tough fight for NSS votes.

One should appreciate it👏😀 pic.twitter.com/td1FZfm9tm

— Tribal Chief (@chief_tribal) February 7, 2019

One Twitter user appeared concerned about the Devaswom board withdrawing its objection to women entering the Sabarimala Temple and VHP announcing a hold on its Ram Temple agitation. What is the Sangh planning, she asked.

The VHP suddenly announcing a hold on its Ram temple agitation, and the Travancore Devaswom Board suddenly withdrawing its objection to women entering the Sabarimala Temple makes me wary of what the Sangh is up to.

— Mitali Saran (@mitalisaran) February 6, 2019

There were many who opined that Hindu temples must be freed from government control.

All the Temples across the country should be freed from Govts control. No funds should be given to the Govt whatsoever they should use the funds to run hospitals and schools. Devasovam board 's U-turn is not surprising it is full of communists it should be sacked. #Sabarimala pic.twitter.com/WTHz7XbslZ

— Anmol अनमोल हूँ मैं 🇮🇳 (@OriginalAnmol) February 6, 2019

Sabarimala Devaswom Board is manned by the Kerala govt. It does not represent the voice of devotees at all. Clearly, Hindu temples must be freed from govt control!

— R Jagannathan (@TheJaggi) February 6, 2019

Devaswom board #Sabarimala advocate raised an argument
"RITUALS OF HINDUISM ARE MORE PRIMITIVE THAN SEMITIC RELIGIONS" With this mind set of the state,expect no relief. Keralites will have to manage their temples or leave the state to continue worship..@Kuvalayamala @RahulEaswar

— Karumathil Murali (@karumaths) February 7, 2019

The entire Sabarimala issue has become a quagmire, with different opinions put forward from unlikely quarters. The ‘believers’ have placed the onus on the Centre.