Row erupts over RSS song at TDB-managed temple in Kollam; Congress seeks action

Kollam: In wake of the row over the RSS ‘Gana Geetham’ being sung during a gana mela (musical concert) at the Manjippuzha Sree Bhagavathy Bhadrakali Temple in Kottukkal, which is managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), action has been initiated against the temple advisory committee. “Following a report on the incident and discussions with the Board, we will be dismissing the advisory committee,” said TDB President P S Prasanth.

The performance by members of a professional music troupe here on Sunday sparked controversy, and the opposition Congress has called for strict measures in this regard. Police said there were also allegations that RSS flags had been erected on the temple premises in connection with the festival.

Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan said singing the ‘RSS ganageetham’ during a temple festival “was a matter of grave concern” and urged the TDB to take immediate and strict action against those responsible. He said this violation occurred at a temple under the TDB despite a High Court ruling that temples should not be used as venues for political events.

“The Devaswom Board and the government must be prepared to act promptly and firmly against those involved,” Satheesan added. Noting that temples belong to the devotees, he said, “politicising temple premises and festivals reflects a narrow-minded approach” and called for swift corrective action.

Meanwhile, the Kadakkal police said they had received a complaint from a member of the temple’s advisory committee, though a case has not yet been registered.

The incident comes close on the heels of another controversy in the same police station limits, where “revolutionary songs” praising the CPM were reportedly sung during a recent temple festival.