TDB warns of strict action after RSS song row at Kollam temple

Kollam: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), responsible for managing most temples in Kerala's Travancore region, cautioned that it will take strict action against temple advisory committees if their actions are deemed likely to incite religious discord.

TDB President P S Prashant toughened his stance on the functioning of temple advisory committees amid reports of the alleged rendition of the RSS "gana geetham" (prayer song) during a musical concert at a temple in Kottukkal in Kollam district in the early hours of Sunday.

A professional music troupe allegedly performed a song at a 'gana mela' (musical concert) held at the TDB-managed temple in Kadakkal. The event also saw RSS flags reportedly erected on the temple premises, sparking controversy. The incident occurred within the Kadakkal police station limits, prompting scrutiny from authorities.

"There will definitely be action against the temple's advisory committee. Several circulars in this regard have already been sent to temple management from the Board," Prashant told a TV channel.

However, certain advisory panels continue to ignore such circulars and operate based on political interests, paving the way for "communal discord" in society, he alleged.

"Such actions will not be tolerated at any cost," the TDB President asserted.

A section of the Kottukkal temple's advisory panel has filed a police complaint against the performance of "Gana Geetham" during a concert.

In response, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has requested a report on the incident.

The controversy has drawn criticism from Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan, who expressed grave concern over the song's performance during the temple festival. Satheesan urged the TDB to take immediate and strict action against those responsible.

He noted that the violation occurred at a temple managed by the TDB, despite a High Court ruling that temples must not be used as venues for political events.

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 within the same police station limits, where "revolutionary songs" praising the CPI(M) were reportedly sung during a recent temple festival.

(inputs from PTI)