Mohan Bhagwat: Sabarimala verdict led to unrest, divisiveness and turmoil

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat in his last public discourse before the 2019 Lok Sabha Election said the Supreme Court’s verdict on Sabarimala has not taken into consideration the nature and premise of the tradition that has been accepted by a large section of the society. It has given rise to ‘divisiveness’ in society.

Reacting on an ongoing massive protest against the women’s entry at Kerala’s Sabarimala Temple. Mohan Bhagwat said that the Supreme Court’s recent verdict led to unrest, turmoil, and divisiveness among the society in place of peace, stability and equality.

Why only the Hindu society experiences such repeated and brazen onslaughts on its symbols of faith? RSS Supremo questioned.

“Decisions were taken without considering all aspects and patiently creating a mindset of the society will neither be adopted in actual practice nor will they help in creating a new social order, in tune with changing times and positions,” he said.

RSS chief said, “Nowhere in the world, healthy and peaceful social life has ever thrived and can thrive merely based on laws and fear of punishment.”

“The version of heads of religious denominations and faith of crore of devotees was not taken into account. The plea by a large section of women, who follow this tradition, was not heard too,” he further said.

On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court, headed by then chief justice Dipak Misra, lifted the centuries-old ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine located in Kerala.

The entry gates of the temple opened on Wednesday for the first time after the court order, but none from the ‘banned’ age group could make it to its hallowed precincts amid a welter of protests and violent clashes.

Also read: Sabarimala Temple: Kerala minister EP Jayarajan blames RSS-BJP for violence