Kochi: The Kerala High Court strongly criticized the Travancore Devaswom Board after revolutionary songs linked to the CPI(M) were sung at the Kadakkal Devi Temple festival in Kollam.
The court ruled that only devotional songs should be played at temple events, not political or film songs.
Court’s Orders and Concerns
The court directed the Devaswom Board to submit an affidavit within a week explaining the incident.
It also questioned the use of devotee donations, stating:
“The money given for God is not to be spent lavishly. If you have more money, then feed the people who come there. This is a temple festival, not a college union festival.”
The court insisted that temple advisory committee members must be believers, not politicians.
Investigation and Response
The court reviewed footage of singer Aloshi Adam performing songs linked to the CPI(M) and DYFI, its youth wing.
The Travancore Devaswom Board said it had launched a vigilance inquiry and issued a show-cause notice to the Kadakkal Devi Temple Advisory Committee.
However, the court expressed dissatisfaction, especially since the board claimed that no official event notice had been issued.
Political Reactions
Opposition leader VD Satheesan accused the CPI(M) of trying to create conflict.
“Is their goal to provoke clashes and help the BJP? Why do they need a temple for their songs? This is arrogance of power,” he said, calling the CPI(M) a “shameless party.”
