‘BJP cadre will destroy Kerala govt if it oppresses devotees in Sabarimala row’: Amit Shah

Speaking at the inauguration of the BJP District Committee office in Kannur on Saturday, Shah said that the BJP will stand with devotees across the country.

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BJP National President Amit Shah said that the BJP cadre will 'destroy' the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government in Kerala if it arrested more devotees who protested against women's entry into Sabarimala. Speaking at the inauguration of the BJP District Committee office in Kannur on Saturday, Shah said that the BJP will stand with devotees across the country.

"Since October 26, around 2,000 workers of the BJP, RSS, NSS, BDJS have been thrown into jails. Under the Damage of Property Act, you have sent them to jail under a non-bailable offence. I want to ask them, whose property have they damaged?" he said.

Amit Shah added that Lord Ayyappa devotees were being oppressed, and the 'BJP will stand like a rock by the devotees of Ayyappa not just in Kerala but across the country'.

"Over 1,500 DYFI workers are being inducted as Special Police Force. I have come here to warn CM Vijayan that if you don't stop the oppression of Ayyappa devotees, BJP's workers will destroy your government and you will not be able to remain in power," he said.

Since the last week, 2061 people have been arrested and 452 cases registered against those suspected to have engaged in violence during the protest against the entry of women in the Sabarimala temple. Protests at Pamba and Nilakkal turned ugly and several women, as well as journalists, were heckled, abused and even beaten up.

The situation in Kerala is much worse than an emergency, he said.

"The constitution has given the freedom to follow the beliefs of a religion and yet state government is arresting BJP RSS activists. The government should open their ears and listen. The entire country will stand with Ayyappa devotees," Amit Shah said.

Addressing the media, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had accused the BJP and RSS of polarising the issue and even painting the officers in a communal way, by valorising IG Sreejith and slinging mud on IG Manoj Abraham, both of whom were involved in ensuring security for women in Sabarimala.