M V Govindan slams Congress, communal spin on Global Ayyappa Conference

Thiruvananthapuram: CPI M state secretary M V Govindan on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Congress, accusing it of functioning like a “criminal gang” that operates under the cover of darkness and creates hideouts. Speaking at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, he warned that the party’s attempts to erase issues from public memory would face strong resistance, with groups of 20 to 50 people allegedly mobilised under its influence.

Govindan also questioned the silence of political parties over the recent attack on Reporter TV. “Today it is Reporter, tomorrow it could be another channel. Why is there no protest against such assaults on media freedom?” he asked.

On the Agola Ayyappa Conference, the CPI M leader said some groups were deliberately trying to distort the event. “Devotees are the majority in Kerala and India. They are not communalists. Those who are communal do not have faith; they only use religion as a tool to retain power. Devotees themselves must take up a major role against communalists—this cannot be left to communists or secularists alone,” he stated.

The Sangamam was organised by the Travancore Devaswom Board at the request of Ayyappa devotees worldwide, Govindan noted. “Why should there be dissatisfaction when the aim is to unite devotees and improve facilities in Sabarimala?” he asked, pointing out that Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar had also said he would attend if invited.

Referring to last year’s pilgrimage season, Govindan said it had been smooth and peaceful, and expressed confidence that such efforts would continue.