Kerala CM's Guruvayur temple visit sparks VIP row, BJP cites HC order violation

Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan's visit to the famed Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple has triggered a row, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleging violation of a Kerala High Court order regulating VIP darshan on holidays and inconvenience to ordinary devotees.

Satheesan on Sunday offered prayers at the Guruvayur temple and performed the traditional 'tulabharam' ritual.

Senior BJP leader B Gopalakrishnan lodged a complaint before the Guruvayur Devaswom authorities alleging that special VIP darshan facilities were extended to the chief minister and accompanying leaders during prohibited hours on Sunday morning.

In a Facebook post on May 24, he alleged that the High Court had barred VIP darshan on Sundays between 6 am and noon and also prohibited videography and photography around the temple premises, including near the Melpathur Auditorium.

He further alleged that Satheesan and his entourage were granted VIP darshan between 7.30 am and 9.30 am without taking the mandatory Rs 4,500 "Sreekovil Neyvilakku" receipt, which is permitted under the rules on holidays for special darshan.

As per the temple norms, those who take "neyvilakku" receipt can avail a special darshan.

The BJP leader also alleged that several VIPs, including Congress MP Hibi Eden, recorded videos near the temple premises despite objections from others present there.

"Those who are duty-bound to protect the law have themselves violated it," Gopalakrishnan alleged in the complaint, warning that legal action would be pursued if the devaswom failed to act.

However, the Guruvayur Devaswom, which manages the shrine, rejected the allegations and said the chief minister's darshan was conducted in accordance with the rules.

In a Facebook post on Monday, the devaswom clarified that since Sunday was a holiday, Satheesan had availed the darshan after taking the Rs 4,500 "Sreekovil Neyvilakku" receipt.

However, the Devaswom FB post didn't mention anything about the controversy.

Reacting to the row, Guruvayur Devaswom chairman AV Gopinath said the High Court order prohibited VIP darshan on holidays, but prima facie there did not appear to be any violation by the chief minister and his team.

He, however, admitted that complaints had been received that several devotees could not offer prayers due to the visit and said the matter would be examined.

The chief minister reached the temple around 7 am on Sunday and offered prayers at the shrine before attending the wedding ceremony of Revenue Minister A P Anil Kumar's son held at the temple premises, according to sources.

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