Kerala CM Vijayan hits back at Amit Shah

Thiruvananthapuram: Hours after BJP Chief Amit Shah on Saturday threatened to pull down the Pinarayi Vijayan government if the Sabarimala temple traditions are not adhered to, Vijayan said Shah's remarks were an attack on the apex court and the Constitution.

"His statement that the apex court should pronounce verdicts that are implementable is nothing but a challenge to the various rights that the Constitution guarantees," said Vijayan in a Facebook post.

"This clearly shows what's on the mind of Shah is the same that's there in the minds of the sangh parivar forces," said Vijayan.

Shah attacked Vijayan at the latter's hometown Kannur, while inaugurating the new district office of the BJP.

"The statement that women should not be allowed entry clearly shows that they (BJP) stand for the male hegemony. I wish to state that this government was elected by the people and not with the help or support of the BJP. People who support democracy should come out against this statement," said Vijayan.

The Supreme Court had overturned a ban on women of menstrual age (10-50 years) from entering the hilltop temple where celibate deity Lord Ayyappa is worshipped. Since then the Vijayan government has been trying to give all the support to women who want to enter the temple.

From October 16 till 22, a strong protest put up by devotees successfully prevented a dozen women from entering the temple's sanctum, even as a strong police force gave them security.