Thiruvananthapuram: The all-party meeting , convened by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan to discuss Sabarimala issue, failed to reach a consensus as LDF, UDF and BJP were unwilling to make a compromise on allowing the entry of young women to the temple. UDF and BJP members walked out saying that they have boycotting the meeting.Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala termed the meeting a farce while BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai felt that government was not ready to listen to the sentiments of devotees.Addressing the media after the meeting, Vijayan said that the government was not stubborn or prejudiced, but duty-bound to implement the Supreme Court order. “Faith is not above the Constitution or a fundamental right. The government has no option but to obey the apex court verdict. The government is ready to ensure arrangements for women entry,” he said.The chief minister said that government was ready to consider the option of allowing women entry on particular days at the hill shrine. This was conveyed to opposition parties at the meet. “Government sought the support of all political parties to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for devotees during darshan,” he said.But, Congress alleged that government was not interested in ensuring peace at Sabarimala. “We asked the government to seek time for implementing the SC order. The KPCC president sought the withdrawal of police pass for pilgrim vehicles. The chief minister made it clear at the start that government will ensure women entry. They didn’t accept our suggestions. Then what is the point of having a discussion?” asked Chennithala.Pillai alleged that the arrogant and stubborn attitude of the government was evident at the meeting as it was hastening steps to ensure the entry of women at Sabarimala. Pillai alleged that the script for Thursday’s meeting was already decided at AKG centre. The government wants to use its iron hand in this case and so there was no need for a discussion, he added.The chief minister sought our cooperation so that CPM’s plan to ensure women entry could succeed. In Kerala, there are precedents of not implementing SC verdict till review petitions are settled. With SC ready to consider review petitions in open court, the status of existing verdict is not final. So, a petition seeking time to implement the order could have been sought. We asked the government to withdraw cases against BJP workers who protested against the order, said Pillai, adding that not even one demand was accepted.All LDF parties, CPM and CPI state secretaries met before Thursday’s all-party meeting and they endorsed the government’s stand of allowing women entry at the hill shrine.

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