A ‘women’s wall’ created against communalism and gender discrimination, in Kochi. SNDP leader’s wife Preethi’s... Read More

KOCHI: In a twist in the upheaval over the entry of women into the Sabarimala shrine, Preethi Natesan, wife of Vellapally Natesan, leader of the influential Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP), has accused the Pinarayi Vijayan government in Kerala of cheating them by allegedly tainting the tradition in the name of the 'Second Renaissance'.

SNDP is an organisation identified with the Ezhavas, a backward caste which constitutes approximately one-fifths of Kerala's population and has been the poll mainstay of CPM for decades.

Preethi, whose husband had supported the CPM-inspired 'Vanitha Mathil (Women's Wall)', told TOI: "I am disturbed that women were escorted by police and taken to Sabarimala, a day after 'Women's Wall'. This is no renaissance?"

Vellapally, who is SNDP general secretary, was the convenor of the Wall and had shared a dais with chief minister Vijayan where the decision to organise the event was taken. Preethi had read out the pledge at the event. "They asked me to read the pledge. I was not informed before that I would be reading. I didn't say no, there was n othing unacceptable in it.''

"If there was a mention of Sabarimala or women's entry, I would have walked out. If we were told that this wall is for women's entry, none of us would have gone. ," she said.

Preethi's remarks are significant in view of the portrayal of the Wall as a push back against the movement opposing the SC verdict for letting women in the Sabarimala shrine.

The entry of young women into the Sabarimala temple has cleared the air for Bharat Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS), which fearing the backlash of the Ezhava community, the political arm of SNDP, had been extra cautious while grouping with Sangh Parivar , despite being part of the NDA in Kerala.

BDJS state president Thushar Vellappally said ties between BDJS and BJP are stronger now. "We have even started seat sharing talks and will soon come out with more plans after the NDA meeting in a couple of days. SNDP and BDJS have already pledged their support for protests to protect tradition at Sabarimala," he said.

