Alappuzha: Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana ( SNDP ) Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan has come out supporting LDF government’s stand in the Sabarimala issue pertaining to recent Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all ages to enter the hill shrine.Though he reiterated that traditional customs at Sabarimala, which do not allow women of fertile age to enter the temple, should be maintained, he said the apex court judgment should be respected and it was not fair to turn against the government for trying to implement the ruling.“The Yogam cannot accept unleashing violence in the name of Hindus and protection of the temple. We believe that women of all ages should not go to the temple. However, since it is a court verdict, it should be treated with due respect. Also, women should themselves decide not to visit the temple before turning 50. Thus we can overcome the ruling and protect the existing system at the temple. Review petitions have been filed and let’s wait and see,” he said.He also came down heavily on BJP, Tantri and Pandalam royal families, who turned down the invite by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan for a conciliation meeting.While speaking to reporters at his residence here on Tuesday, Natesan said the on-going protest was an attempt to bring down the government. “Hindu community is not just the Tantri and family. They should have attended the meeting convened by the CM and voiced their opinion on the issue,” he said.Underlining his support to Vijayan, he said the chief minister has taken an open stand on Sabarimala issue and he should invite all Hindu organizations for talks.He also demanded Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president A Padmakumar to resign from his post alleging double standard by the latter on the issue. “The TDB president is adding fuel to the fire by his changing his stand time and again. Both BJP and Congress have political agenda behind their protest against women entry. They among those trying to destroy the Sabarimala temple,” he said.He also alleged that those organizations agitating against the verdict were trying to create a second liberation struggle in the state. “The Yogam will not support the on-going protests. If it continues like this, we will launch parallel protests to reveal their true colours,’’ he said.BDJS slams govtBharath Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS) state executive meeting dubbed the decision of state government and devaswom board to not file review petition against the verdict as a challenge to Hindu community. The meeting, chaired by party chairman and Natesan’s Thushar Vellappally, at Kayamkulam here on Tuesday flayed the government for its adamant stand.“The CPM-led state government is treating devotes like enemies. Rulers are responsible to protect the faith. BDJS will stand with the devotees,” said a statement issued after the meeting.

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