Kerala govt may not follow CPI(M) line on Sabarimala issue, says party leader

As the Supreme Court prepares to hear petitions regarding women's entry into the Sabarimala temple on April 7, the Kerala government faces a challenging dilemma. A senior leader from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) has indicated that the state may diverge from the party's traditional stance on the controversial issue. This development underscores the complex interplay between religion and politics in Kerala, where the Sabarimala temple has become a focal point of contention over gender equality and religious practices. The previous Supreme Court ruling in 2018, which permitted women of all ages to enter the temple, sparked widespread protests and backlash from certain religious groups. As the state government grapples with public sentiment and party ideology, the upcoming court hearing will likely have significant implications for both the temple's accessibility and the broader discourse on women's rights in India. The situation remains fluid, with various stakeholders closely monitoring the state's response as the date approaches.