Palakkad District Congress Committee Vice President TH Firoz Babu hands over the Parashurama ax made at Public Sector Unit Metal Industries, Shoranur to Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan during a reception for his Puthuyuga Yatra at Cherpulassery, Palakkad on Monday.
Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan accused the state government of shirking its responsibility on the issue of women entering the Sabarimala temple. He demanded that the government redact the affidavit it submitted to the Supreme Court.
Speaking to the media during a reception for his ‘Puthuyuga Yatra’ here on Monday, Mr Satheesan said the government should tell the court that its earlier pro-women approach to entry had changed.
“The government, which has apologized before, is now avoiding a clear position. If the affidavit is not corrected, its fraud will be exposed in front of the public,” he said.
Mr. Satheesan also criticized the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), saying that the party lacks firmness and certainty, yet it continues to seek the votes of Ayyappa’s devotees. He further said that if the United Democratic Front (UDF) comes to power, it will submit a new affidavit supporting Sabarimala traditions.
Mr. Satheesan rejected Mani Shankar Aiyar’s claim that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan would secure a third term and pointed out that Mr. Aiyar was no longer in the Congress.
Published – 16 Feb 2026 21:42 IST