Ever since the Supreme Court threw open the gates of Sabarimala temple in Kerala to women of all ages, the state has witnessed protest by several outfits including groups of women.
Former Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa has said that BJP was not against the Supreme Court verdict; but the sentiments of the people should be respected by one and all.
When 90 per cent of women devotees are against the order, it is our duty to oppose it, said Yeddyurappa. Wherever in the country there are genuine protests a big national party like us should support it, he added.
The senior BJP leader blamed the Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for the "tense situation" in Kerala. Yeddyurappa said that the Kerala government should "apply its mind" and show seriousness to end the impasse at Sabarimala.
Yeddyurappa flagged off the rath yatra jointly led by BJP state president PS Sreedharan Pillai and Bharat Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS) president Tushar Vellapally, from Madhur Siddhi Vinayaka temple in Kasaragod.
The rath yatra will conclude at Erumeli near Sabarimala on 13 November, when the Supreme Court is to consider the review petitions against its 28 September verdict permitting women of all age groups to offer prayers at the Lord Ayyappa shrine.