Travancore Devaswom Board bans RSS-related activities on temple premises

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has stirred controversy by issuing a fresh circular prohibiting RSS-related activities and ‘namajapa’ protests on temple premises without prior permission. This directive marks the third attempt at such an order, with previous iterations facing opposition from various quarters. In response, the RSS and several Hindu groups have decried the circular’s issuance, accusing the state’s left-wing government of intertwining politics with religion and targeting temples.

The circular also extends the ban to ‘namajapa protests’ and flags bearing saffron colors on temple grounds, citing recent protests against the board in some temples and instances of temple advisory committees engaging in similar protests against certain board-driven reforms.

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The TDB’s directive empowers devaswom staff to take legal action against those who violate the ban. Furthermore, it instructs the vigilance wing to monitor the activities of the RSS and community organizations on temple premises, preventing them from displaying their flags. Only temple advisory committees formed in compliance with court-approved bylaws are permitted to participate in a temple’s activities.

“We firmly oppose this move by the TDB as it is clearly a move with political intentions. Firstly, how can they use the word RSS in the circular? RSS is not a banned organization. Moreover, how can a government body come up with such a circular where an organization’s name is mentioned? Secondly, it’s very clear that this move is to appease the fundamentalists among the Muslim community who will support all those who speazk against the RSS.

Thirdly, and most importantly, it is not the devotees who filed complaints against the RSS training, but the local CPI(M) activists along with their local leaders who, with the support of the police, filed a report in the high court, which subsequently led to the court’s order,” stated RV Babu, state secretary of the Hindu Aikya Vedi to The New Indian.

Previously, other devaswom boards, including the Cochin and Malabar boards, had issued directives prohibiting illicit activities by political and community organisations following two High Court orders. Meanwhile, the RSS leadership, characterising the TDB’s move as politically motivated, intends to explore all available options, including legal remedies.

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“The CPM has been trying to take over the administration of temples under the TDB through its nominees. Naturally, there will be resistance by Hindu organisations. That’s why such a politically motivated decision has been taken,” asserted RSS Pranta Karyavahak PN Ishwaran.

In Kerala, there are five devaswom boards under the state government, namely the Guruvayoor, Travancore, Cochin, Malabar, and the Koodalmanikyam boards, collectively overseeing more than 3,000 temples.