BJP workers Tuesday began a dawn-to-dusk hunger strike in front of Kerala DGP's office here, intensifying its agitation against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's crackdown on Sabarimala protesters.&nbsp;

BJP cadres also took out marches to offices of the Superintendents of Police in all district headquarters to condemn the government for arresting the agitators.

Addressing party workers here, BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai alleged the ruling CPI(M) was on the road to "liquidation" and the party's graph was coming down.

Former Union minister and party's lone MLA in the state assembly, O Rajagopal, was also present.

Veteran Marxist leader M M Lawrence's grandson was among the protesters.&nbsp;

Over 3,500 people have so far been arrested and 529 cases registered in connection with the protests and demonstrations against the implementation of the Supreme court verdict allowing women of all age groups into the Lord Ayyappa temple.

BJP national president Amit Shah, who was in Kerala on October 27 had extended full support to the devotees protesting the entry of women of all ages into the shrine.&nbsp;

The saffron party had announced that it would be taking out a 'Rath Yatra' from Kasaragod to Pathnamthitta, where the Sabarimala temple is located, from November 8 to 13 to "save the customs and traditions" of the hill shrine.

The temple had witnessed high drama after around a dozen women in the 10-50 age group were prevented by protesting devotees from entering it after the temple doors were opened for monthly pujas between October 17 and 22.

The Lord Ayyappa temple's three month-long pilgrim season is commencing from November 17 and the state government has reiterated that all devotees would be allowed to offer prayers at the shrine.

The temple will also open for a day on November 5 for a special pooja.&nbsp;

BJP workers Tuesday began a dawn-to-dusk hunger strike in front of Kerala DGP's office here, intensifying its agitation against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's crackdown on Sabarimala protesters.

BJP workers Tuesday began a dawn-to-dusk hunger strike in front of Kerala DGP's office here, intensifying its agitation against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's crackdown on Sabarimala protesters. BJP cadres also took out marches to offices of the Superintendents of Police in all district headquarters to condemn the government for arresting the agitators. Addressing party workers here, BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai alleged the ruling CPI(M) was on the road to "liquidation" and the party's graph was coming down. Former Union minister and party's lone MLA in the state assembly, O Rajagopal, was also present. Veteran Marxist leader M M Lawrence's grandson was among the protesters. Over 3,500 people have so far been arrested and 529 cases registered in connection with the protests and demonstrations against the implementation of the Supreme court verdict allowing women of all age groups into the Lord Ayyappa temple. BJP national president Amit Shah, who was in Kerala on October 27 had extended full support to the devotees protesting the entry of women of all ages into the shrine. The saffron party had announced that it would be taking out a 'Rath Yatra' from Kasaragod to Pathnamthitta, where the Sabarimala temple is located, from November 8 to 13 to "save the customs and traditions" of the hill shrine. The temple had witnessed high drama after around a dozen women in the 10-50 age group were prevented by protesting devotees from entering it after the temple doors were opened for monthly pujas between October 17 and 22. The Lord Ayyappa temple's three month-long pilgrim season is commencing from November 17 and the state government has reiterated that all devotees would be allowed to offer prayers at the shrine. The temple will also open for a day on November 5 for a special pooja.

BJP begins dawn-to-dusk hunger strike over arrest of Sabarimala protesters

Police Sunday took into custody Rahul Easwar, president of the 'Ayyappa Dharma Sena', for his alleged provocative statement related to the entry of women into the Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala.

A team of police personnel from Kochi took Easwar into custody from his flat in Thiruvananthapuram in connection with a case registered under IPC Sections 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) and 117 (abetting commission of offence by the public or by more than 10 persons), police said.

The arrest will be recorded in the evening after they reach Kochi, police sources said.

A member of the Thazhamon family of Sabarimala tantris (head priests), Easwar had said during a press meet in Kochi last week that they had a contingency plan to force the closure of the temple by spilling blood on its premises by some devotees in case any woman in the 'barred' age group managed to reach it.

He had also claimed that 20 Lord Ayyappa devotees opposing the entry of women in the age group of 10 and 50 were ready to inflict knife injuries on themselves on the temple premises, which would have forced the priests to close the gates on account of impurity.

"Had their blood fallen on the floor of the temple, that would have forced the priests to shut the shrine for three days for purification rituals," Easwar had said.

A case was registered against him later on the basis of a complaint filed by a Thiruvananthapuram native.

Kerala Devaswom Minister Kadakkampally Surendran had claimed that effective police intervention had foiled the protesters' bid to "desecrate" the Ayyappa Temple by spilling blood in the premises if women devotees in the 10-50 age group offered prayers.

He had said the "conspiracy" of the devotees was made clear by the statement of Rahul Easwar.

The Minister had also said the disclosure showed that there was a well-conceived plan, similar to that followed by nations to attack their enemies and added that this attempt was not only 'seditious,' but also against the interests of devotees.

Easwar was earlier arrested from Sabarimala Sannidhanam (temple complex) on October 17 over the 'save Sabarimala campaign, and later released on bail.

The temple had witnessed high drama with around a dozen women in 10-50 age group being prevented from entering the temple by protesting devotees after the doors were opened for all women, following the Supreme Court verdict.

On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench of the Apex Court, headed by then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, had lifted the centuries-old ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai Sunday lashed out at the police action against Easwar.

"BJP condemns the police action on Rahul Easwar and also those associated wit the protests over the Sabarimala issue," he told reporters.

Police Sunday took into custody Rahul Easwar, president of the 'Ayyappa Dharma Sena', for his alleged provocative statement related to the entry of women into the Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala.

Police Sunday took into custody Rahul Easwar, president of the 'Ayyappa Dharma Sena', for his alleged provocative statement related to the entry of women into the Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala. A team of police personnel from Kochi took Easwar into custody from his flat in Thiruvananthapuram in connection with a case registered under IPC Sections 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) and 117 (abetting commission of offence by the public or by more than 10 persons), police said. The arrest will be recorded in the evening after they reach Kochi, police sources said. A member of the Thazhamon family of Sabarimala tantris (head priests), Easwar had said during a press meet in Kochi last week that they had a contingency plan to force the closure of the temple by spilling blood on its premises by some devotees in case any woman in the 'barred' age group managed to reach it. He had also claimed that 20 Lord Ayyappa devotees opposing the entry of women in the age group of 10 and 50 were ready to inflict knife injuries on themselves on the temple premises, which would have forced the priests to close the gates on account of impurity. "Had their blood fallen on the floor of the temple, that would have forced the priests to shut the shrine for three days for purification rituals," Easwar had said. A case was registered against him later on the basis of a complaint filed by a Thiruvananthapuram native. Kerala Devaswom Minister Kadakkampally Surendran had claimed that effective police intervention had foiled the protesters' bid to "desecrate" the Ayyappa Temple by spilling blood in the premises if women devotees in the 10-50 age group offered prayers. He had said the "conspiracy" of the devotees was made clear by the statement of Rahul Easwar. The Minister had also said the disclosure showed that there was a well-conceived plan, similar to that followed by nations to attack their enemies and added that this attempt was not only 'seditious,' but also against the interests of devotees. Easwar was earlier arrested from Sabarimala Sannidhanam (temple complex) on October 17 over the 'save Sabarimala campaign, and later released on bail. The temple had witnessed high drama with around a dozen women in 10-50 age group being prevented from entering the temple by protesting devotees after the doors were opened for all women, following the Supreme Court verdict. On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench of the Apex Court, headed by then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, had lifted the centuries-old ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine. BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai Sunday lashed out at the police action against Easwar. "BJP condemns the police action on Rahul Easwar and also those associated wit the protests over the Sabarimala issue," he told reporters.

Rahul Easwar taken into custody on controversial remarks over Sabarimala

Amid protests against the Supreme Court order opening the Sabarimala temple in Kerala to women of all ages, Union minister Smriti Irani Tuesday said the right to pray did not mean the right to desecrate.

On September 28, a five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court, headed by then chief justice Dipak Misra, lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

Women have been stopped by Ayyappa devotees from climbing up to the Sabarimala temple as protests against the Supreme Court order opening the hilltop shrine to women of all ages continued across Kerala.

"I am nobody to speak against the Supreme Court verdict as I am a serving cabinet minister. But just plain common sense is that would you carry a napkin seeped with menstrual blood and walk into a friend's house. You would not.

"And would you think it is respectful to do the same when you walk into the house of god That is the difference. I have the right to pray, but no right to desecrate. That is the difference that we need to recognise and respect," Irani said.

The Union textile minister was speaking at the "Young Thinkers" conference organised by the British High Commission and the Observer Research Foundation here.

"I am a practising Hindu married to a Zoroastrian. I have ensured that both my kids are practising Zoroastrians, who can go to the fire temple and pray," she said.

Irani recalled that when her children were inside the fire temple, she had to stand outside on the road or sit in the car.

"When I took my newborn son (to the fire temple), I would give him at the (temple) entrance to my husband and wait outside, because I was shooed away and told not to stand there," she said.&nbsp;

Amid protests against the Supreme Court order opening the Sabarimala temple in Kerala to women of all ages, Union minister Smriti Irani Tuesday said the right to pray did not mean the right to desecrate.

Amid protests against the Supreme Court order opening the Sabarimala temple in Kerala to women of all ages, Union minister Smriti Irani Tuesday said the right to pray did not mean the right to desecrate. On September 28, a five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court, headed by then chief justice Dipak Misra, lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine. Women have been stopped by Ayyappa devotees from climbing up to the Sabarimala temple as protests against the Supreme Court order opening the hilltop shrine to women of all ages continued across Kerala. "I am nobody to speak against the Supreme Court verdict as I am a serving cabinet minister. But just plain common sense is that would you carry a napkin seeped with menstrual blood and walk into a friend's house. You would not. "And would you think it is respectful to do the same when you walk into the house of god That is the difference. I have the right to pray, but no right to desecrate. That is the difference that we need to recognise and respect," Irani said. The Union textile minister was speaking at the "Young Thinkers" conference organised by the British High Commission and the Observer Research Foundation here. "I am a practising Hindu married to a Zoroastrian. I have ensured that both my kids are practising Zoroastrians, who can go to the fire temple and pray," she said. Irani recalled that when her children were inside the fire temple, she had to stand outside on the road or sit in the car. "When I took my newborn son (to the fire temple), I would give him at the (temple) entrance to my husband and wait outside, because I was shooed away and told not to stand there," she said.

Right to pray, but no right to desecrate: Smriti Irani on Sabarimala

Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan Saturday said the Kerala government was trying to pass the buck on the Sabarimala temple issue to the Travancore Devaswom Board that manages the shrine, instead of taking responsibility.

"There is no place in Sabarimala for social activists or social enthusiasts. Activists are trying to destroy the unity among the communities and destroy faith in religion," he told reporters here.

He said the government instead of remaining silent on the Lord Ayyappa temple issue should take responsibility.

The minister also accused the Kerala government of being vindictive to people who participated in the protests on the Sabarimala issue.

On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court, headed by the then chief justice Dipak Misra, lifted the centuries-old ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

He termed the ongoing war of words between the ruling AIADMK and the opposition DMK in Tamil Nadu as nothing but "streetquarrel."

Earlier, he participated in the "Healthy Food Habits" awareness campaign here.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan Saturday said the Kerala government was trying to pass the buck on the Sabarimala temple issue to the Travancore Devaswom Board that manages the shrine, instead of taking responsibility.

Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan Saturday said the Kerala government was trying to pass the buck on the Sabarimala temple issue to the Travancore Devaswom Board that manages the shrine, instead of taking responsibility. "There is no place in Sabarimala for social activists or social enthusiasts. Activists are trying to destroy the unity among the communities and destroy faith in religion," he told reporters here. He said the government instead of remaining silent on the Lord Ayyappa temple issue should take responsibility. The minister also accused the Kerala government of being vindictive to people who participated in the protests on the Sabarimala issue. On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court, headed by the then chief justice Dipak Misra, lifted the centuries-old ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine. He termed the ongoing war of words between the ruling AIADMK and the opposition DMK in Tamil Nadu as nothing but "streetquarrel." Earlier, he participated in the "Healthy Food Habits" awareness campaign here.

Kerala government trying to pass the buck on Sabarimala issue: Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan

A 52-year-old woman from Tamil Nadu was allowed to enter&nbsp;the Sabarimala temple on Saturday after facing initial protests, news reports said.

Latha who was accompanied by her husband and son to the temple was initially restricted from entering the premises as the protesters presumed her to be below 50 years.

She was stopped just as she was about to climb the hallowed 18 steps leading to the temple.&nbsp;

52-year-old Latha&nbsp;was later allowed to enter the temple after the intervention of state BJP leader K. Surendran and others.

No woman has been allowed an entry into the temple till now despite the apex court's September 28 decision which puts a ban on the centuries-old practice that barred women of menstrual age (10-50 years) from entering the hill temple

High drama unfolded at the Sabarimala temple today after a&nbsp;38-year-old woman, Manju, arrived at the sanctum to&nbsp;start trekking the&nbsp;last 5-km to the shrine.

She, however,&nbsp;later cancelled her plans due to rains and has decided to begin her trek tomorrow.

Manju&nbsp;who is the President of the Kerala Dalit Mahila Federation had requested the senior police officials to facilitate her pilgrimage to the temple in the light of the Supreme Court&nbsp;verdict.

Despite the police officials cautioning, the woman did not retreat and was firm on undertaking the trek.

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A 52-year-old woman from Tamil Nadu was allowed to enter the Sabarimala temple on Saturday after facing initial protests, news reports said. Latha who was accompanied by her husband and son to the temple was initially restricted from entering the premises as the protesters presumed her to be below 50 years.

A 52-year-old woman from Tamil Nadu was allowed to enter the Sabarimala temple on Saturday after facing initial protests, news reports said. Latha who was accompanied by her husband and son to the temple was initially restricted from entering the premises as the protesters presumed her to be below 50 years. She was stopped just as she was about to climb the hallowed 18 steps leading to the temple. 52-year-old Latha was later allowed to enter the temple after the intervention of state BJP leader K. Surendran and others. No woman has been allowed an entry into the temple till now despite the apex court's September 28 decision which puts a ban on the centuries-old practice that barred women of menstrual age (10-50 years) from entering the hill temple High drama unfolded at the Sabarimala temple today after a 38-year-old woman, Manju, arrived at the sanctum to start trekking the last 5-km to the shrine. She, however, later cancelled her plans due to rains and has decided to begin her trek tomorrow. Manju who is the President of the Kerala Dalit Mahila Federation had requested the senior police officials to facilitate her pilgrimage to the temple in the light of the Supreme Court verdict. Despite the police officials cautioning, the woman did not retreat and was firm on undertaking the trek.

52 year old woman allowed inside Sabarimala temple after initial protests

A day after protests and violence against the entry of women of menstruating age at the Sabarimala temple was witnessed, devotees visiting the shrine reiterated that the sanctity of the temple and Lord Ayyappa "must be preserved at any cost".

One of the male devotees told ANI, "Lord Ayyappa is a `Nithya Brahmachari`, this must be preserved at any cost. Sanctity of the temple should be preserved.

"Meanwhile, another devotee, Ganesh Kumar, said that while coming to the temple, villagers thoroughly checked vehicles for women of 10-50 age group.

"I took Kambamedu route to Sabarimala Temple, locals at every village were checking vehicles for women. Police didn`t intervene as locals checked the vehicles," he said.Calling the attack on women journalists near the holy shrine "unfortunate", Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Kerala president PS Sreedharan Pillai has accused the Communist Party of India (Marxist) of orchestrating the violence.

"That is unfortunate; it was part of the plan designed by the CPI (M) people. They did this. 300 police personnel, who had not completed their training, were taken there and this scene was created," he said.

Places around the temple such as Pamba, Nilakkal, Sannidhanam, and Elavungal have witnessed the majority of the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/women-stopped-from-entering-keralas-sabarimala-temple-for-second-day-in-a-row-172129"> violent protests </a>since the doors of the shrine reopened on Wednesday.

Protestors allegedly vandalised a bus carrying journalists and other passengers at Laka near the Nilakkal base camp. The police were forced to lathi-charge the protestors as they resorted to stone pelting.

Elderly women were seen entering the Lord Ayyappa temple on Wednesday evening, but women between 10 to 50 years of age refrained from visiting the shrine for the sake of their own safety.

Owing to the protests and violence, Section 144 (prohibiting assembly of more than four people) has been imposed in Pamba, Nilakkal, and Elavungal.&nbsp;

A day after protests and violence against the entry of women of menstruating age at the Sabarimala temple was witnessed, devotees visiting the shrine reiterated that the sanctity of the temple and Lord Ayyappa "must be preserved at any cost".

A day after protests and violence against the entry of women of menstruating age at the Sabarimala temple was witnessed, devotees visiting the shrine reiterated that the sanctity of the temple and Lord Ayyappa "must be preserved at any cost". One of the male devotees told ANI, "Lord Ayyappa is a `Nithya Brahmachari`, this must be preserved at any cost. Sanctity of the temple should be preserved. "Meanwhile, another devotee, Ganesh Kumar, said that while coming to the temple, villagers thoroughly checked vehicles for women of 10-50 age group. "I took Kambamedu route to Sabarimala Temple, locals at every village were checking vehicles for women. Police didn`t intervene as locals checked the vehicles," he said.Calling the attack on women journalists near the holy shrine "unfortunate", Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Kerala president PS Sreedharan Pillai has accused the Communist Party of India (Marxist) of orchestrating the violence. "That is unfortunate; it was part of the plan designed by the CPI (M) people. They did this. 300 police personnel, who had not completed their training, were taken there and this scene was created," he said. Places around the temple such as Pamba, Nilakkal, Sannidhanam, and Elavungal have witnessed the majority of the violent protests since the doors of the shrine reopened on Wednesday. Protestors allegedly vandalised a bus carrying journalists and other passengers at Laka near the Nilakkal base camp. The police were forced to lathi-charge the protestors as they resorted to stone pelting. Elderly women were seen entering the Lord Ayyappa temple on Wednesday evening, but women between 10 to 50 years of age refrained from visiting the shrine for the sake of their own safety. Owing to the protests and violence, Section 144 (prohibiting assembly of more than four people) has been imposed in Pamba, Nilakkal, and Elavungal.

Sanctity of Sabarimala temple should be preserved: Devotees

Travancore Devaswom Board on Friday announced its decision to move against the Supreme Court's verdict on Sabarimala. "We have decided to appeal against the Supreme Court verdict that allowed women of all age groups to enter Sabarimala Temple," A Padmakumar, President of Travancore Devaswom Board told media on Friday.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Central Friday issued an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-row-centre-asks-kerala-tamil-nadu-karnataka-govts-to-tighten-security-monitor-adverse-online-messages-172332">advisory to the south Indian states</a> of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the wake of the ongoing protests against the Supreme Court's Sabarimala verdict.&nbsp;

The government asked the three states to tighten security and monitor any "adverse" online messages or social media content on the row.&nbsp;

"All necessary precautionary measures may be taken to maintain law and order and appropriate security arrangements may be made to prevent any untoward incident," the advisory, sent by the internal security division of the home ministry, said.

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We have decided to appeal against the Supreme Court verdict that allowed women of all age groups to enter <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a>: A Padmakumar, President, Travancore Devaswom Board <a href="https://t.co/BieAIwyqd5">pic.twitter.com/BieAIwyqd5</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1053253153578196992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Also, the Congress in Kerala alleged that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was responsible for the present tense situation at Lord Ayappa temple in Sabarimala.

Attacking Vijayan, who is in UAE, Kerala PCC president Mullapally Ramachandran said, "Vijayan is like the Roman emperor Nero who fiddled while Rome burned."

"The chief minister is holidaying in the Gulf along with his family... He has failed to perform like a vigilant administrator," he said.

Ramachandran asked the state government to find a solution to the crisis in Sabarimala or else there would be "a disaster."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

 
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Travancore Devaswom Board on Friday announced its decision to move against the Supreme Court's verdict on Sabarimala. "We have decided to appeal against the Supreme Court verdict that allowed women of all age groups to enter Sabarimala Temple," A Padmakumar, President of Travancore Devaswom Board told media on Friday.

Travancore Devaswom Board on Friday announced its decision to move against the Supreme Court's verdict on Sabarimala. "We have decided to appeal against the Supreme Court verdict that allowed women of all age groups to enter Sabarimala Temple," A Padmakumar, President of Travancore Devaswom Board told media on Friday. Meanwhile, the Central Friday issued an advisory to the south Indian states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the wake of the ongoing protests against the Supreme Court's Sabarimala verdict. The government asked the three states to tighten security and monitor any "adverse" online messages or social media content on the row. "All necessary precautionary measures may be taken to maintain law and order and appropriate security arrangements may be made to prevent any untoward incident," the advisory, sent by the internal security division of the home ministry, said. We have decided to appeal against the Supreme Court verdict that allowed women of all age groups to enter #SabarimalaTemple: A Padmakumar, President, Travancore Devaswom Board pic.twitter.com/BieAIwyqd5 — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018 × Also, the Congress in Kerala alleged that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was responsible for the present tense situation at Lord Ayappa temple in Sabarimala. Attacking Vijayan, who is in UAE, Kerala PCC president Mullapally Ramachandran said, "Vijayan is like the Roman emperor Nero who fiddled while Rome burned." "The chief minister is holidaying in the Gulf along with his family... He has failed to perform like a vigilant administrator," he said. Ramachandran asked the state government to find a solution to the crisis in Sabarimala or else there would be "a disaster." (With inputs from agencies)

Travancore Devaswom Board to challenge Supreme Court's Sabarimala verdict

The Central government on Friday issued an advisory to the south Indian states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the wake of the ongoing protests against the Supreme Court's Sabarimala verdict.&nbsp;

The Centre has called for tightened&nbsp;security in the three states and has asked the state governments to closely monitor the spread of any "adverse" messages through social media and the Internet services, news agency PTI reported.

"All necessary precautionary measures may be taken to maintain law and order and appropriate security arrangements may be made to prevent any untoward incident," the advisory, sent by the internal security division of the home ministry, said.

In the meanwhile, opposing groups and activists have threatened that they would not allow entry of women inside the shrine. Hindu outfits plan to organise protest programmes against apex court order.

"Separately, Ayyappa devotees, Hindu outfits and certain caste-based outfits have been organising state-wide protest against the Supreme Court order. Participation in these protests has ranged from 50-3000, including participation of sizeable number of women," the advisory noted.&nbsp;

"Hindu outfits have also organised a few protest programme in neighbouring states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka," it further read.

The shrine of Lord Ayyappa, located on the mountain range of the Western Ghats, opened for the first time on Wednesday after the Supreme Court verdict allowed women of all ages to enter the temple. The temple will close on October 22.

Scores of protesters, including women, have been up in arms since the verdict was pronounced. Traditionally, women of menstruating age were barred from entering the temple.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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The Central government on Friday issued an advisory to the south Indian states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the wake of the ongoing protests against the Supreme Court's Sabarimala verdict.

The Central government on Friday issued an advisory to the south Indian states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the wake of the ongoing protests against the Supreme Court's Sabarimala verdict. The Centre has called for tightened security in the three states and has asked the state governments to closely monitor the spread of any "adverse" messages through social media and the Internet services, news agency PTI reported. "All necessary precautionary measures may be taken to maintain law and order and appropriate security arrangements may be made to prevent any untoward incident," the advisory, sent by the internal security division of the home ministry, said. In the meanwhile, opposing groups and activists have threatened that they would not allow entry of women inside the shrine. Hindu outfits plan to organise protest programmes against apex court order. "Separately, Ayyappa devotees, Hindu outfits and certain caste-based outfits have been organising state-wide protest against the Supreme Court order. Participation in these protests has ranged from 50-3000, including participation of sizeable number of women," the advisory noted. "Hindu outfits have also organised a few protest programme in neighbouring states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka," it further read. The shrine of Lord Ayyappa, located on the mountain range of the Western Ghats, opened for the first time on Wednesday after the Supreme Court verdict allowed women of all ages to enter the temple. The temple will close on October 22. Scores of protesters, including women, have been up in arms since the verdict was pronounced. Traditionally, women of menstruating age were barred from entering the temple. (With inputs from agencies)

Sabarimala row: Centre asks Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka govts to tighten security, monitor social media

The two women who tried to enter the Sabarimala temple decided not to carry on their journey with protesters stopping them on the way even as heavy security was deployed in the temple area.

Kerala Inspector General said: "We have told the female devotees about the situation, they will now be going back. So we are pulling pack. They have decided to return."

The women were reportedly 500 meters from the golden steps to the temple.

Preist Kandararu Rajeevaru said: "We have decided to lock the temple and handover the keys and leave. I stand with the devotees."&nbsp;

"I do not have any other option," the priest added.

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Pathanamthitta: Journalist Kavitha Jakkal of Hyderabad based Mojo TV and woman activist Rehana Fatima move to the office where the two have been called by Inspector General S Sreejith. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> <a href="https://t.co/F4xFZieWOI">pic.twitter.com/F4xFZieWOI</a>
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A Hyderabad-based woman journalist named&nbsp;Kavitha Jakkal and a woman activist&nbsp;Rehana Fatima had begun their walk&nbsp;towards Sabarimala temple on Friday morning while the&nbsp;woman journalist reportedly said&nbsp;that she was going to Sabarimala Sannidhanam to carry out her "professional duty".

Police had thrown a security ring around the two women who had requested security to go to Sabarimala Sannidhanam, reported news agency ANI.

Protesters&nbsp;surrounded the temple as the two women made their way towards the temple. The women&nbsp;would have become the first from the menstruating age group&nbsp;to visit the Sabarimala temple of Lord Ayyappa after the Supreme Court order permitted women of all age groups to enter the shrine.&nbsp;

The journalist accompanied by her male colleague, a foreigner, had descended the hills from Marakkoottam area in the face of mounting protests.

A case has been registered against devotees who allegedly prevented her trekking and forced her to climb down the hills.

A New Delhi-based woman journalist was stopped midway by devotees opposing the entry of women of menstrual age into the hill shrine on Thursday.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a>: Journalist Kavitha Jakkal of Hyderabad based Mojo TV and woman activist Rehana Fatima are en-route to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a>. <a href="https://t.co/IADqXgEJZJ">pic.twitter.com/IADqXgEJZJ</a>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a>: Journalist Kavitha Jakkal of Hyderabad based Mojo TV, being escorted by police from Pamba to Sannidhanam. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> <a href="https://t.co/6lwDGStDTw">pic.twitter.com/6lwDGStDTw</a>
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The two women who tried to enter the Sabarimala temple decided not to carry on their journey with protesters stopping them on the way even as heavy security was deployed in the temple area.

The two women who tried to enter the Sabarimala temple decided not to carry on their journey with protesters stopping them on the way even as heavy security was deployed in the temple area. Kerala Inspector General said: "We have told the female devotees about the situation, they will now be going back. So we are pulling pack. They have decided to return." The women were reportedly 500 meters from the golden steps to the temple. Preist Kandararu Rajeevaru said: "We have decided to lock the temple and handover the keys and leave. I stand with the devotees." "I do not have any other option," the priest added. Pathanamthitta: Journalist Kavitha Jakkal of Hyderabad based Mojo TV and woman activist Rehana Fatima move to the office where the two have been called by Inspector General S Sreejith. #SabarimalaTemple pic.twitter.com/F4xFZieWOI — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018 × A Hyderabad-based woman journalist named Kavitha Jakkal and a woman activist Rehana Fatima had begun their walk towards Sabarimala temple on Friday morning while the woman journalist reportedly said that she was going to Sabarimala Sannidhanam to carry out her "professional duty". Police had thrown a security ring around the two women who had requested security to go to Sabarimala Sannidhanam, reported news agency ANI. Protesters surrounded the temple as the two women made their way towards the temple. The women would have become the first from the menstruating age group to visit the Sabarimala temple of Lord Ayyappa after the Supreme Court order permitted women of all age groups to enter the shrine. The journalist accompanied by her male colleague, a foreigner, had descended the hills from Marakkoottam area in the face of mounting protests. A case has been registered against devotees who allegedly prevented her trekking and forced her to climb down the hills. A New Delhi-based woman journalist was stopped midway by devotees opposing the entry of women of menstrual age into the hill shrine on Thursday. #Kerala: Journalist Kavitha Jakkal of Hyderabad based Mojo TV and woman activist Rehana Fatima are en-route to the #SabarimalaTemple. pic.twitter.com/IADqXgEJZJ — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018 × #Kerala: Journalist Kavitha Jakkal of Hyderabad based Mojo TV, being escorted by police from Pamba to Sannidhanam. #SabarimalaTemple pic.twitter.com/6lwDGStDTw — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018 × ×

Both women decide not to enter Sabrimala temple amid protests; priest decides to shut premises and leave

WION Gravitas: Police presence beefed up around Sabarimala Temple

Kerala's Sabarimala temple opened its gates on Wednesday at 5 pm. Devotees will be allowed to offer prayers till 10.30 pm tonight.

There have however been days of protests against the recent Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all ages to enter the temple. Women between the ages of 10 and 50 were earlier not allowed to enter the temple (because they might have been menstruating).&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the wake of the recent protest that erupted in the temple premises earlier during the day, the authorities have imposed Section 144 in Pamba, Nilakkal, Sannidhanam Elavungal.&nbsp;

The Kerala police personnel also vandalised vehicles parked in Pampa. Incidents of violence had broken out today in parts of the state over the entry of women of all age groups in the temple.

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Kerala: Section 144 (prohibits assembly of more than 4 people in an area) has been imposed in Pampa, Nilakkal, Sannidhanam and Elavungal. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> <a href="https://t.co/T6hkklywoT">pic.twitter.com/T6hkklywoT</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1052547803614973953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Several journalists covering the Sabarimala protests were on Wednesday attacked by mobs at Nikakkal base camp, the main gateway to the Sabarimala shrine.&nbsp;

Protesters were caught on camera hounding TV reporters at the spot. One TV reporter's car was attacked,&nbsp;with the protesters trying to pull her out of her car. Her car window was broken, and the protester also tried to vandalise&nbsp;her crew's camera equipment.&nbsp;

The National Commission for Women has taken cognizance of the attack on her and other journalists. A meeting is underway at the NCW office to decide on further steps to be taken.&nbsp;

Kerala Minister KK Shailaja said that the attack by the protesters was intentional and that they were playing dirty politics. She added that she can't say if the protesters were actual devotee. She added that the Supreme Court's order is constitutional and the government is bound to implement it.&nbsp;

Around 30 people were arrested in Kerala's Pamba in the protest in Sabarimala temple&nbsp;carried out against the women in the age group of 10-50 years.

Out of the 30, nine were&nbsp;arrested on Tuesday while 21 were arrested today.

The police also arrested&nbsp;Activist Rahul Easwar from Nilakkal base camp and a non-bailable FIR was registered against him. Easwar is kept at Pamba police station

Blaming the LDF government for the protest in Pamba, BJP member MS Kumar has said that no member from his party was involved in the incident.

He said, "LDF government is fully responsible for any law and order situation in state. It's a very unfortunate situation, we aren't responsible. No BJP worker is involved, we're condemning that attempt".

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said, "Congress is not attacking anybody and definitely attack on journalists is not tolerable. Those who are protesting there, are BJP and RSS people. Nowhere Congress people are engaged in this kind of hooliganism or vandalism".

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Kerala: ANI reporter Ayushmaan Kumar was attacked by protesters at Nilakkal base camp when he was taking the pictures of women checking the buses for women devotees. Police was also present at the spot when the attack took place. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1052517246545928192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: India Today journalist Mausami Singh and its crew in a police vehicle. They were attacked by the protesters at Nilakkal base camp. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a> <a href="https://t.co/R7rsSBK8fx">pic.twitter.com/R7rsSBK8fx</a>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Police lathi-charge and pelt stones at the protesters gathered at Nilakkal base camp, in Kerala. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> <a href="https://t.co/DMC1ePz0l2">pic.twitter.com/DMC1ePz0l2</a>
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Earlier during the day an&nbsp;attempt by a 45-year-old woman from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh to enter Sabarimala Temple failed as protesters prevented her from proceeding to the hill shrine at Pamba.

The apex court had on September 28 passed a historic judgement lifting the ban on entry of girls and women of menstrual age into the temple, a verdict that was hailed by rights activists but opposed by traditionalists.

Kerala's Sabarimala temple opened its gates on Wednesday at 5 pm. Devotees will be allowed to offer prayers till 10.30 pm tonight. There have however been days of protests against the recent Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all ages to enter the temple.

Kerala's Sabarimala temple opened its gates on Wednesday at 5 pm. Devotees will be allowed to offer prayers till 10.30 pm tonight. There have however been days of protests against the recent Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all ages to enter the temple. Women between the ages of 10 and 50 were earlier not allowed to enter the temple (because they might have been menstruating). In the wake of the recent protest that erupted in the temple premises earlier during the day, the authorities have imposed Section 144 in Pamba, Nilakkal, Sannidhanam Elavungal. The Kerala police personnel also vandalised vehicles parked in Pampa. Incidents of violence had broken out today in parts of the state over the entry of women of all age groups in the temple. Kerala: Section 144 (prohibits assembly of more than 4 people in an area) has been imposed in Pampa, Nilakkal, Sannidhanam and Elavungal. #SabarimalaTemple pic.twitter.com/T6hkklywoT — ANI (@ANI) October 17, 2018 × Several journalists covering the Sabarimala protests were on Wednesday attacked by mobs at Nikakkal base camp, the main gateway to the Sabarimala shrine. Protesters were caught on camera hounding TV reporters at the spot. One TV reporter's car was attacked, with the protesters trying to pull her out of her car. Her car window was broken, and the protester also tried to vandalise her crew's camera equipment. The National Commission for Women has taken cognizance of the attack on her and other journalists. A meeting is underway at the NCW office to decide on further steps to be taken. Kerala Minister KK Shailaja said that the attack by the protesters was intentional and that they were playing dirty politics. She added that she can't say if the protesters were actual devotee. She added that the Supreme Court's order is constitutional and the government is bound to implement it. Around 30 people were arrested in Kerala's Pamba in the protest in Sabarimala temple carried out against the women in the age group of 10-50 years. Out of the 30, nine were arrested on Tuesday while 21 were arrested today. The police also arrested Activist Rahul Easwar from Nilakkal base camp and a non-bailable FIR was registered against him. Easwar is kept at Pamba police station Blaming the LDF government for the protest in Pamba, BJP member MS Kumar has said that no member from his party was involved in the incident. He said, "LDF government is fully responsible for any law and order situation in state. It's a very unfortunate situation, we aren't responsible. No BJP worker is involved, we're condemning that attempt". Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said, "Congress is not attacking anybody and definitely attack on journalists is not tolerable. Those who are protesting there, are BJP and RSS people. Nowhere Congress people are engaged in this kind of hooliganism or vandalism". Kerala: ANI reporter Ayushmaan Kumar was attacked by protesters at Nilakkal base camp when he was taking the pictures of women checking the buses for women devotees. Police was also present at the spot when the attack took place. #SabarimalaTemple — ANI (@ANI) October 17, 2018 × #WATCH: India Today journalist Mausami Singh and its crew in a police vehicle. They were attacked by the protesters at Nilakkal base camp. #SabarimalaTemple #Kerala pic.twitter.com/R7rsSBK8fx — ANI (@ANI) October 17, 2018 × #WATCH: Police lathi-charge and pelt stones at the protesters gathered at Nilakkal base camp, in Kerala. #SabarimalaTemple pic.twitter.com/DMC1ePz0l2 — ANI (@ANI) October 17, 2018 × Earlier during the day an attempt by a 45-year-old woman from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh to enter Sabarimala Temple failed as protesters prevented her from proceeding to the hill shrine at Pamba. The apex court had on September 28 passed a historic judgement lifting the ban on entry of girls and women of menstrual age into the temple, a verdict that was hailed by rights activists but opposed by traditionalists.

After days of protests, gates of Kerala's Sabarimala temple open

Sabrimala Temple Row: Protesters ask women to go back

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/perfect-storm-of-hunger-climate-change-conflict-coming-warns-un-171765">'Perfect storm' of hunger, climate change &amp; conflict coming, warns UN</a>

A potent combination of hunger, climate change and man-made conflicts are creating a "perfect storm", the head of the UN's food arm warned Tuesday in a call to action on World Food Day.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-tells-saudis-us-is-concerned-about-missing-journalist-khashoggi-171772">Saudis agree to 'thorough' probe needed into journalist's disappearance, says </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-tells-saudis-us-is-concerned-about-missing-journalist-khashoggi-171772">US</a>

The US on Tuesday said that Saudis have agreed to 'thorough' probe needed into journalist's disappearance.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-cm-warns-protestors-ahead-of-sabarimala-temple-reopening-171747">Won't allow anyone to take </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-cm-warns-protestors-ahead-of-sabarimala-temple-reopening-171747">law</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-cm-warns-protestors-ahead-of-sabarimala-temple-reopening-171747"> into own hands: Kerala CM warns protesters ahead of Sabarimala opening tomorrow</a>

Sending a stern message to the people protesting against the Supreme Court's ruling on Sabarimala temple, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that his government would not allow anyone to take the law and order into their hands.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/denmark-open-pv-sindhu-makes-shocking-first-round-exit-171743">Denmark Open: PV Sindhu makes shock exit in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/denmark-open-pv-sindhu-makes-shocking-first-round-exit-171743">first</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/denmark-open-pv-sindhu-makes-shocking-first-round-exit-171743"> round</a>

Star Indian shuttler PV Sindhu crashed out of the Denmark Open with a stunning opening-round loss to American Beiwen Zhang in the women's singles event, here on Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/allahabad-is-now-prayagraj-yogi-adityanath-cabinet-clears-renaming-proposal-171742">Allahabad is now Prayagraj: Yogi cabinet clears proposal to rename </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/allahabad-is-now-prayagraj-yogi-adityanath-cabinet-clears-renaming-proposal-171742">city</a>

The Uttar Pradesh cabinet Tuesday approved a proposal to rename Allahabad as Prayagraj.

'Perfect storm' of hunger, climate change & conflict coming, warns UN A potent combination of hunger, climate change and man-made conflicts are creating a "perfect storm", the head of the UN's food arm warned Tuesday in a call to action on World Food Day.

'Perfect storm' of hunger, climate change & conflict coming, warns UN A potent combination of hunger, climate change and man-made conflicts are creating a "perfect storm", the head of the UN's food arm warned Tuesday in a call to action on World Food Day. Saudis agree to 'thorough' probe needed into journalist's disappearance, says US The US on Tuesday said that Saudis have agreed to 'thorough' probe needed into journalist's disappearance. Won't allow anyone to take law into own hands: Kerala CM warns protesters ahead of Sabarimala opening tomorrow Sending a stern message to the people protesting against the Supreme Court's ruling on Sabarimala temple, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that his government would not allow anyone to take the law and order into their hands. Denmark Open: PV Sindhu makes shock exit in first round Star Indian shuttler PV Sindhu crashed out of the Denmark Open with a stunning opening-round loss to American Beiwen Zhang in the women's singles event, here on Tuesday. Allahabad is now Prayagraj: Yogi cabinet clears proposal to rename city The Uttar Pradesh cabinet Tuesday approved a proposal to rename Allahabad as Prayagraj.

News brief: Big stories of the day

An advisory committee headed by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has been set up for implementation of various projects for rebuilding the flood-ravaged state.

Announcing this at a press conference here, Vijayan said the committee, comprising Union Tourism Minister Alphons Kannamthanam, would give advice for implementing the projects.

Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala, T K A Nair, who served as advisor to former prime minister, and former state chief secretary K M Chandrasekhar are among the other members of the committee, he said.

The first meeting of the committee would be held on October 22, the chief minister said.

Besides this, a high-powered committee would monitor the implementation of the projects approved by the state cabinet, he said.

The chief minister also launched a portal for crowd funding as part of the government's efforts to mobilise funds for rebuilding and rehabilitating the people affected by the flood in the state.

Vijayan is scheduled to leave for some of the Gulf countries on Wednesday as part of the efforts to mobilise funds from Kerala expatriates there.

Seventeen of the 20 state ministers have also planned to visit different countries in the Gulf and Europe to mobilise funds.

However, the Centre has approved the foreign visit of the chief minister alone so far.

Answering a question in this regard, Vijayan said the state government had expected that the Centre would give sanction for the ministers also.

The state had witnessed the fury of the southwest monsoon in August which claimed 493 lives and left a trail of destruction in several districts, displacing lakhs of people.

The LDF government had last month decided to raise Rs 15,900 crore as loan from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and other funding agencies to rebuild the prime sectors of the state.

An advisory committee headed by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has been set up for implementation of various projects for rebuilding the flood-ravaged state.

An advisory committee headed by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has been set up for implementation of various projects for rebuilding the flood-ravaged state. Announcing this at a press conference here, Vijayan said the committee, comprising Union Tourism Minister Alphons Kannamthanam, would give advice for implementing the projects. Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala, T K A Nair, who served as advisor to former prime minister, and former state chief secretary K M Chandrasekhar are among the other members of the committee, he said. The first meeting of the committee would be held on October 22, the chief minister said. Besides this, a high-powered committee would monitor the implementation of the projects approved by the state cabinet, he said. The chief minister also launched a portal for crowd funding as part of the government's efforts to mobilise funds for rebuilding and rehabilitating the people affected by the flood in the state. Vijayan is scheduled to leave for some of the Gulf countries on Wednesday as part of the efforts to mobilise funds from Kerala expatriates there. Seventeen of the 20 state ministers have also planned to visit different countries in the Gulf and Europe to mobilise funds. However, the Centre has approved the foreign visit of the chief minister alone so far. Answering a question in this regard, Vijayan said the state government had expected that the Centre would give sanction for the ministers also. The state had witnessed the fury of the southwest monsoon in August which claimed 493 lives and left a trail of destruction in several districts, displacing lakhs of people. The LDF government had last month decided to raise Rs 15,900 crore as loan from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and other funding agencies to rebuild the prime sectors of the state.

Advisory panel set up for rebuilding flood-hit Kerala

Sending a stern message to the people protesting against the Supreme Court's ruling on Sabarimala temple, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that his government would not allow anyone to take the law and order into their hands.

The failure of the talks has raised the tension in the state with devotees intent of stopping women from entering when the temple opens for monthly rituals on Wednesday.

The Chief Minister also assured all sort of facilities to the devotees visiting the shrine of Lord Ayyappa.

The temple is set to reopen tomorrow, however, contrary to the age old tradition, this time women of ages will be allowed to enter the holy shrine, as per the recent order by the apex court.

"We will not allow anyone to take law and order into their hands. The government will ensure facilities to devotees who will visit Sabarimala Temple to offer prayers," Vijayan said while addressing the media in Trivandrum.

He also reiterated that the state government does not plan to challenge the verdict and will ensure implementation of the Supreme Court ruling.

On September 28, a five-judge bench of the top court headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, allowed women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple saying that "no physiological and biological factor can be given legitimacy if it doesn't pass the test of conditionality".

Although many, including the Kerala government, have welcomed the decision, a section of followers have been staging protests across the country opposing the ruling.

Sending a stern message to the people protesting against the Supreme Court's ruling on Sabarimala temple, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that his government would not allow anyone to take the law and order into their hands.

Sending a stern message to the people protesting against the Supreme Court's ruling on Sabarimala temple, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that his government would not allow anyone to take the law and order into their hands. The failure of the talks has raised the tension in the state with devotees intent of stopping women from entering when the temple opens for monthly rituals on Wednesday. The Chief Minister also assured all sort of facilities to the devotees visiting the shrine of Lord Ayyappa. The temple is set to reopen tomorrow, however, contrary to the age old tradition, this time women of ages will be allowed to enter the holy shrine, as per the recent order by the apex court. "We will not allow anyone to take law and order into their hands. The government will ensure facilities to devotees who will visit Sabarimala Temple to offer prayers," Vijayan said while addressing the media in Trivandrum. He also reiterated that the state government does not plan to challenge the verdict and will ensure implementation of the Supreme Court ruling. On September 28, a five-judge bench of the top court headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, allowed women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple saying that "no physiological and biological factor can be given legitimacy if it doesn't pass the test of conditionality". Although many, including the Kerala government, have welcomed the decision, a section of followers have been staging protests across the country opposing the ruling.

Won't allow anyone to take law into own hands: Kerala CM warns protesters ahead of Sabarimala opening tomorrow

Supporters and activists of the Akhil Hindu Parishad on Sunday took to the streets of Thiruvananthapuram to demand an ordinance in the Kerala Legislative Assembly against the Supreme Court verdict that removed the ban on entry of women aged between 10-50 years into the temple.

Scores of devotees, including a large number of women and children, took to the streets of the state capital and chanted slogans, a week ahead of the temple`s opening for the monthly rituals.

A similar protest also took place in Tamil Nadu's Chennai, where devotees of Lord Ayyappa took out a march to protest against the top court`s verdict.

On September 28, the Supreme Court removed an age-old ban that prevented women between 10 and 50 from the entering the Sabarimala templePronouncing the order, former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra said that the ban blatantly violated the constitutional principles that the country stood for.

He also said that the women, like their male counterparts, have every right to enter the temple and cannot be the victim of gender discrimination.

While many, including the Kerala state government, welcomed the decision, a large number of devotees have organised protests, demanding retention of the age-old tradition.

Shiv Sena's Kerala unit on Saturday warned that their women activists will commit suicide if any young woman tries to enter the shrine.

A member of the Shiv Sena Kerala unit, Peringammala Aji, told ANI that their women squad will gather near the Pamba River on October 17 and 18 as part of their so-called "suicide group."

The Sabarimala temple, located in Kerala`s Pathanamthitta district, is dedicated to the Hindu deity Ayyappan.

The temple management considers the deity to be eternal celibate, citing which women of menstruating ages were barred from entering the temple.&nbsp;

Supporters and activists of the Akhil Hindu Parishad on Sunday took to the streets of Thiruvananthapuram to demand an ordinance in the Kerala Legislative Assembly against the Supreme Court verdict that removed the ban on entry of women aged between 10-50 years into the temple.

Supporters and activists of the Akhil Hindu Parishad on Sunday took to the streets of Thiruvananthapuram to demand an ordinance in the Kerala Legislative Assembly against the Supreme Court verdict that removed the ban on entry of women aged between 10-50 years into the temple. Scores of devotees, including a large number of women and children, took to the streets of the state capital and chanted slogans, a week ahead of the temple`s opening for the monthly rituals. A similar protest also took place in Tamil Nadu's Chennai, where devotees of Lord Ayyappa took out a march to protest against the top court`s verdict. On September 28, the Supreme Court removed an age-old ban that prevented women between 10 and 50 from the entering the Sabarimala templePronouncing the order, former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra said that the ban blatantly violated the constitutional principles that the country stood for. He also said that the women, like their male counterparts, have every right to enter the temple and cannot be the victim of gender discrimination. While many, including the Kerala state government, welcomed the decision, a large number of devotees have organised protests, demanding retention of the age-old tradition. Shiv Sena's Kerala unit on Saturday warned that their women activists will commit suicide if any young woman tries to enter the shrine. A member of the Shiv Sena Kerala unit, Peringammala Aji, told ANI that their women squad will gather near the Pamba River on October 17 and 18 as part of their so-called "suicide group." The Sabarimala temple, located in Kerala`s Pathanamthitta district, is dedicated to the Hindu deity Ayyappan. The temple management considers the deity to be eternal celibate, citing which women of menstruating ages were barred from entering the temple.

Kerala: Ayyappa devotees take to the streets, oppose Sabarimala verdict

Thousands of Lord Ayyappa devotees Saturday took to the streets in Kochi against the implementation of the Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all age groups into Sabarimala temple, even as activist Trupti Desai announced plans to visit the hill shrine soon.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, which decided to implement the ruling, held a meeting in Thiruvananthapuram to evaluate the preparations carried out for pilgrims arriving at the temple which will open for monthly poojas on October 17 evening.

Though the government has not reacted to Desai's planned trip to the temple yet, it has evoked sharp reactions from Ayyappa devotees and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which is campaigning against the entry of women into the hill shrine.

Padalam royal family member, Sasikumar Varma criticised Desai and urged the social activist to refrain from making any "provocative' move. 
He also asked the Left government to take steps to prevent any law and order situation.

Desai, the 'Bhumata Brigade' leader, said in Mumbai that she along with a group of women would visit the temple "shortly" to offer prayers.

"We will visit Sabarimala shortly. The ongoing agitation by devotees is the violation of the Supreme Court verdict. I appeal the agitating devotees to welcome those women who come for worship at the hill shrine," she told Malayalam TV channels.

"I want to ask the Congress and the BJP whether they are against the fundamental rights of women. The parties should also explain their stand on this," Desai said.

Holding placards bearing pictures of Lord Ayyappa and chanting his hymns, the protesters marched through the busy roads of Kochi, the state's commercial hub, after launching the stir from the famed Shiva temple there.

The faithful, a large number of them women, urged both the Central and the state governments to intervene in the matter to protect the sanctity of the centuries-old rituals and traditions of the hill shrine.

Meanwhile, the 'Long March' led by BJP-headed National Democratic Alliance (NDA) reached Kollam district Saturday.

Party state president, P S Sreedharan Pillai, who lead the rally, said Desai was visiting Sabarimala as she perceived it to be a challenge rather than a pilgrimage.

"It is a dangerous approach. She should desist from visiting the shrine and should not make Sabarimala a tension zone," he said.

"I do not know whether she is a devotee or not. But she is coming to add fuel to the fire," Pillai added.

Claiming that the NDA rally was getting tremendous support from all sections of people, the leader said the march would reach the state capital on October 15.

It was because of the success of the NDA long march that the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF was forced to launch counter campaigns and family get-togethers to explain the Left government's stand on the Sabarimala issue, Pillai added.

Activist Rahul Easwar, who already announced hunger strike at Sabarimala during the five-day monthly pooja period, said they would stop Trupti Desai if she attempts to visit the Lord Ayyappa Temple.

"Ours will be a Gandhian mode of protest. Hundreds of devotees will lay down on roads leading to Sabarimala if Trupti Desai attempts to visit the shrine," he said.

Kerala has been witnessing a series of agitations by various devotee groups and Hindu outfits against the Pinarayi Vijayan government's decision to implement the apex court order without going for any review petition.

Besides BJP, the opposition Congress was also against the government's decision not to go for review and extended support to the devotee's stir.

On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by then chief justice Dipak Misra, lifted the ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.&nbsp;

Thousands of Lord Ayyappa devotees Saturday took to the streets in Kochi against the implementation of the Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all age groups into Sabarimala temple, even as activist Trupti Desai announced plans to visit the hill shrine soon.

Thousands of Lord Ayyappa devotees Saturday took to the streets in Kochi against the implementation of the Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all age groups into Sabarimala temple, even as activist Trupti Desai announced plans to visit the hill shrine soon. The Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, which decided to implement the ruling, held a meeting in Thiruvananthapuram to evaluate the preparations carried out for pilgrims arriving at the temple which will open for monthly poojas on October 17 evening. Though the government has not reacted to Desai's planned trip to the temple yet, it has evoked sharp reactions from Ayyappa devotees and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which is campaigning against the entry of women into the hill shrine. Padalam royal family member, Sasikumar Varma criticised Desai and urged the social activist to refrain from making any "provocative' move. He also asked the Left government to take steps to prevent any law and order situation. Desai, the 'Bhumata Brigade' leader, said in Mumbai that she along with a group of women would visit the temple "shortly" to offer prayers. "We will visit Sabarimala shortly. The ongoing agitation by devotees is the violation of the Supreme Court verdict. I appeal the agitating devotees to welcome those women who come for worship at the hill shrine," she told Malayalam TV channels. "I want to ask the Congress and the BJP whether they are against the fundamental rights of women. The parties should also explain their stand on this," Desai said. Holding placards bearing pictures of Lord Ayyappa and chanting his hymns, the protesters marched through the busy roads of Kochi, the state's commercial hub, after launching the stir from the famed Shiva temple there. The faithful, a large number of them women, urged both the Central and the state governments to intervene in the matter to protect the sanctity of the centuries-old rituals and traditions of the hill shrine. Meanwhile, the 'Long March' led by BJP-headed National Democratic Alliance (NDA) reached Kollam district Saturday. Party state president, P S Sreedharan Pillai, who lead the rally, said Desai was visiting Sabarimala as she perceived it to be a challenge rather than a pilgrimage. "It is a dangerous approach. She should desist from visiting the shrine and should not make Sabarimala a tension zone," he said. "I do not know whether she is a devotee or not. But she is coming to add fuel to the fire," Pillai added. Claiming that the NDA rally was getting tremendous support from all sections of people, the leader said the march would reach the state capital on October 15. It was because of the success of the NDA long march that the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF was forced to launch counter campaigns and family get-togethers to explain the Left government's stand on the Sabarimala issue, Pillai added. Activist Rahul Easwar, who already announced hunger strike at Sabarimala during the five-day monthly pooja period, said they would stop Trupti Desai if she attempts to visit the Lord Ayyappa Temple. "Ours will be a Gandhian mode of protest. Hundreds of devotees will lay down on roads leading to Sabarimala if Trupti Desai attempts to visit the shrine," he said. Kerala has been witnessing a series of agitations by various devotee groups and Hindu outfits against the Pinarayi Vijayan government's decision to implement the apex court order without going for any review petition. Besides BJP, the opposition Congress was also against the government's decision not to go for review and extended support to the devotee's stir. On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by then chief justice Dipak Misra, lifted the ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

Mass rally against Sabarimala verdict; Trupti Desai to visit soon

BJP Monday said the party-led NDA would organise a five-day long march from Pandalam to Thiruvananthapuram in protest against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's "hasty move" to implement the Supreme Court order, permitting entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple.

Announcing the decision to conduct the five-day long 'Save Sabarimala Yatra' from Pandalam to Thiruvananthapuram, BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai alleged that the LDF government was trying to divide Hindus to "defeat" the movement of Lord Ayyappa devotees against the government's decision to hurriedly implement the Supreme Court order.

The long march --Save Sabarimala Yatra-- beginning October 10 from Pandalam, the place where Lord Ayyappa's palace is situated, would conclude in Thiruvananthapuram on October 15, Pillai said.

"The Government is trying to implement the Supreme Court order by suppressing the Hindu faith and sentiments of the faithful," the BJP state chief said after the core committee meeting of the party here.

He said the NDA's 'Save Sabarimala Yatra' would be an agitation based on Gandhian principles.

Pillai said the government was going ahead with the decision to implement the SC order without giving time to the spiritual authorities of the hill shrine to find a solution to the problem based on 'Tantra Sastra' .

He alleged that the CPI(M), a party based on atheist principles, had been trying to destroy Sabarimala for the past 50 years, but those who tried to do so have never succeeded.

Meanwhile, former BJP leader P P Mukundan has shot off a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his urgent intervention to save Sabarimala from the "hands of non believers,whose sole intention is to plunder the temple wealth and revenue."

In his letter, the former South Indian Organising Secretary of BJP, said "the Ayyappa devotees are looking at you, seeking your effective intervention to Save Sabarimala.

"The Centre may take over Sabarimala through special ordinance, declare it a National Pilgrim Centre, depoliticise the temple administration and set up a Tirupati-model Devaasthanam for its proper upkeep and administration," he said in his letter.

BJP Monday said the party-led NDA would organise a five-day long march from Pandalam to Thiruvananthapuram in protest against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's "hasty move" to implement the Supreme Court order, permitting entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple.

BJP Monday said the party-led NDA would organise a five-day long march from Pandalam to Thiruvananthapuram in protest against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's "hasty move" to implement the Supreme Court order, permitting entry of women of all ages into the Sabarimala temple. Announcing the decision to conduct the five-day long 'Save Sabarimala Yatra' from Pandalam to Thiruvananthapuram, BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai alleged that the LDF government was trying to divide Hindus to "defeat" the movement of Lord Ayyappa devotees against the government's decision to hurriedly implement the Supreme Court order. The long march --Save Sabarimala Yatra-- beginning October 10 from Pandalam, the place where Lord Ayyappa's palace is situated, would conclude in Thiruvananthapuram on October 15, Pillai said. "The Government is trying to implement the Supreme Court order by suppressing the Hindu faith and sentiments of the faithful," the BJP state chief said after the core committee meeting of the party here. He said the NDA's 'Save Sabarimala Yatra' would be an agitation based on Gandhian principles. Pillai said the government was going ahead with the decision to implement the SC order without giving time to the spiritual authorities of the hill shrine to find a solution to the problem based on 'Tantra Sastra' . He alleged that the CPI(M), a party based on atheist principles, had been trying to destroy Sabarimala for the past 50 years, but those who tried to do so have never succeeded. Meanwhile, former BJP leader P P Mukundan has shot off a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his urgent intervention to save Sabarimala from the "hands of non believers,whose sole intention is to plunder the temple wealth and revenue." In his letter, the former South Indian Organising Secretary of BJP, said "the Ayyappa devotees are looking at you, seeking your effective intervention to Save Sabarimala. "The Centre may take over Sabarimala through special ordinance, declare it a National Pilgrim Centre, depoliticise the temple administration and set up a Tirupati-model Devaasthanam for its proper upkeep and administration," he said in his letter.

'Save Sabarimala Yatra' from Wednesday over Kerala govt's 'hasty move' to implement SC order: BJP

A Kerala court today extended the judicial custody of Roman Catholic Bishop Franco Mulakkal, arrested over allegations of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting a nun, by 14 days.

The magistrate's court in Pala in Kottayam district remanded the bishop to judicial custody till October 20.

The 54-year-old clergyman was produced before the court after the period of his judicial custody ended today.

Sources said the lawyers of the bishop were planning to approach the Kerala High Court once again, seeking bail.

The high court had dismissed Mulakkal's bail plea on Wednesday, while accepting the prosecution's argument that the accused, holding a high position in the society, would try to influence the witnesses in the case if he was granted bail.

The police had said the investigation in the case was progressing even after the arrest of the accused.

The bishop is currently lodged in a sub-jail in Pala.

In her complaint to the Kottayam Police in June, the nun had alleged that Bishop Mulakkal had raped her at a guest house in Kuravilangad in May, 2014 and subsequently, sexually exploited her on several occasions.

The nun had said she had to approach the police as the church authorities did not act on her repeated complaints against the clergyman.

However, the bishop has denied the charges.

A Kerala court today extended the judicial custody of Roman Catholic Bishop Franco Mulakkal, arrested over allegations of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting a nun, by 14 days.

A Kerala court today extended the judicial custody of Roman Catholic Bishop Franco Mulakkal, arrested over allegations of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting a nun, by 14 days. The magistrate's court in Pala in Kottayam district remanded the bishop to judicial custody till October 20. The 54-year-old clergyman was produced before the court after the period of his judicial custody ended today. Sources said the lawyers of the bishop were planning to approach the Kerala High Court once again, seeking bail. The high court had dismissed Mulakkal's bail plea on Wednesday, while accepting the prosecution's argument that the accused, holding a high position in the society, would try to influence the witnesses in the case if he was granted bail. The police had said the investigation in the case was progressing even after the arrest of the accused. The bishop is currently lodged in a sub-jail in Pala. In her complaint to the Kottayam Police in June, the nun had alleged that Bishop Mulakkal had raped her at a guest house in Kuravilangad in May, 2014 and subsequently, sexually exploited her on several occasions. The nun had said she had to approach the police as the church authorities did not act on her repeated complaints against the clergyman. However, the bishop has denied the charges.

Rape accused Bishop's judicial custody extended by 14 days

Kerala Meteorological Department on Thursday warned of heavy rainfall in the state for the next five days and have issued a district-wise warning, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea for next 2-4 days," K Santosh, Director Kerala Meteorological Department told media.

The rainfall is expected to intensify further into a depression in subsequent 36 hours and then move northwestwards to develop into a cyclonic storm before moving northwest towards the coast of Oman, the MeT department noted.&nbsp;

"Under the influence of cyclonic circulation which is lying over Southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep Maldives area, a low-pressure area is expected to form over Southeast Arabian Sea near Lakshadweep during next 24 hours," Santosh added.&nbsp;

State authorities today opened 4 shutters of Malampuzha dam in Palakkad region by 9 cm.&nbsp;

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It is likely to intensify further into a depression in subsequent 36 hours&amp;then move northwestwards&amp;develop into a cyclonic storm&amp;again move in northwest direction towards Oman Coast: K Santosh, Director <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a> Meteorological Department <a href="https://t.co/5VN2h83zrG">pic.twitter.com/5VN2h83zrG</a>
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Kerala Chief Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-offing-kerala-cm-issues-warning-red-alert-sounded-3-districts-169236">Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday cautioned the state authorities</a> against a warning sounded by the Indian Meteorological Department. CM Vijayan stated that the IMD has "issued a warning about a low-pressure area in the Arabian sea close to Sri Lankan coast," which may develop into a cyclonic storm and hit the state.&nbsp;

"The predicted trajectory will be along the coast of Lakshadweep," news agency ANI quoted CM Vijayan who added that a red alert has been sounded in three districts for October 7.

Unabated rainfall in Kerala during this monsoon season wreaked havoc, prompting the state authorities to open the shutters of as many as 22 dangerously full dams and reservoirs.

Mammoth flooding, landslides destroyed many parts of the state rendering lakhs of people homeless and displaced who took shelter in over 5,000 relief camps set-up across Kerala.&nbsp;

The destructive deluge claimed nearly 500 lives with an estimated loss to the state worth over Rs 21,000 crore.&nbsp;

Kerala Meteorological Department on Thursday warned of heavy rainfall in the state for the next five days and have issued a district-wise warning, news agency ANI reported.

Kerala Meteorological Department on Thursday warned of heavy rainfall in the state for the next five days and have issued a district-wise warning, news agency ANI reported. "Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea for next 2-4 days," K Santosh, Director Kerala Meteorological Department told media. The rainfall is expected to intensify further into a depression in subsequent 36 hours and then move northwestwards to develop into a cyclonic storm before moving northwest towards the coast of Oman, the MeT department noted. "Under the influence of cyclonic circulation which is lying over Southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep Maldives area, a low-pressure area is expected to form over Southeast Arabian Sea near Lakshadweep during next 24 hours," Santosh added. State authorities today opened 4 shutters of Malampuzha dam in Palakkad region by 9 cm. It is likely to intensify further into a depression in subsequent 36 hours&then move northwestwards&develop into a cyclonic storm&again move in northwest direction towards Oman Coast: K Santosh, Director #Kerala Meteorological Department pic.twitter.com/5VN2h83zrG — ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2018 × Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday cautioned the state authorities against a warning sounded by the Indian Meteorological Department. CM Vijayan stated that the IMD has "issued a warning about a low-pressure area in the Arabian sea close to Sri Lankan coast," which may develop into a cyclonic storm and hit the state. "The predicted trajectory will be along the coast of Lakshadweep," news agency ANI quoted CM Vijayan who added that a red alert has been sounded in three districts for October 7. Unabated rainfall in Kerala during this monsoon season wreaked havoc, prompting the state authorities to open the shutters of as many as 22 dangerously full dams and reservoirs. Mammoth flooding, landslides destroyed many parts of the state rendering lakhs of people homeless and displaced who took shelter in over 5,000 relief camps set-up across Kerala. The destructive deluge claimed nearly 500 lives with an estimated loss to the state worth over Rs 21,000 crore.

Kerala to receive very heavy rainfall for next 5 days: MeT department

Heavy rain alert in Kerala again confirms Met department

India Meteorological Department on Thursday predicted heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala and heavy rain at isolated places over South Interior Karnataka, Lakshwadeep and Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands between October 4 and October 8.

Rough to very rough sea conditions are likely to prevail over South and the central Arabian Sea from October 6 to 8, IMD said.&nbsp;

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea between October 6 and 8 over the South Kerala coast, Lakshadweep area, Comorin area, Southeast Arabian sea and Central Arabian sea.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, heavy rains lashed Puducherry and its outskirts affecting normal life Thursday morning.

Most educational institutions in Puducherry remained closed in view of the intermittent rains which started Wednesday night, officials said.

Officials said rainfall of 96.4 mm was registered during the last 24 hours ending 8.30 a.M. Thursday.

Waterlogging was reported in some residential areas on the outskirts of the town. Traffic came to a standstill at some important junctions, the officials added.

 
&nbsp;

India Meteorological Department on Thursday predicted heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala and heavy rain at isolated places over South Interior Karnataka, Lakshwadeep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands between October 4 and October 8.

India Meteorological Department on Thursday predicted heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala and heavy rain at isolated places over South Interior Karnataka, Lakshwadeep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands between October 4 and October 8. Rough to very rough sea conditions are likely to prevail over South and the central Arabian Sea from October 6 to 8, IMD said. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea between October 6 and 8 over the South Kerala coast, Lakshadweep area, Comorin area, Southeast Arabian sea and Central Arabian sea. Meanwhile, heavy rains lashed Puducherry and its outskirts affecting normal life Thursday morning. Most educational institutions in Puducherry remained closed in view of the intermittent rains which started Wednesday night, officials said. Officials said rainfall of 96.4 mm was registered during the last 24 hours ending 8.30 a.M. Thursday. Waterlogging was reported in some residential areas on the outskirts of the town. Traffic came to a standstill at some important junctions, the officials added.

IMD predicts heavy rains in Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry and Kerala 

The Kerala High Court Wednesday dismissed the bail plea of Roman Catholic Bishop Franco Mulakkal, arrested over allegations of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting a nun.

Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan dismissed the bail plea while accepting the prosecution argued that the accused, holding a high position in society will try to influence witnesses in the case if he is granted bail.

Police said the investigation in the case is progressing even after the arrest of the accused.

The court also took note of the submission by the prosecution that the investigation in the case was at a crucial stage and more statements of fellow nuns have to be recorded before the magistrate under Section 164 of the CrPC in connection with the case.

The Bishop moved the High Court after a magistrate court in Pala rejected his bail application.

He is currently under judicial remand in a sub-jail in Pala in Kottayam district.

In her complaint to the Kottayam Police in June, the nun had alleged that Bishop Mulakkal raped her at a guest house in Kuravilangad in May 2014 and later sexually exploited her on several occasions.

The nun said she had to approach the police as church authorities did not act on her repeated complaints against the clergyman.

However, the bishop has denied the charges.&nbsp;

The Kerala High Court Wednesday dismissed the bail plea of Roman Catholic Bishop Franco Mulakkal, arrested over allegations of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting a nun.

The Kerala High Court Wednesday dismissed the bail plea of Roman Catholic Bishop Franco Mulakkal, arrested over allegations of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting a nun. Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan dismissed the bail plea while accepting the prosecution argued that the accused, holding a high position in society will try to influence witnesses in the case if he is granted bail. Police said the investigation in the case is progressing even after the arrest of the accused. The court also took note of the submission by the prosecution that the investigation in the case was at a crucial stage and more statements of fellow nuns have to be recorded before the magistrate under Section 164 of the CrPC in connection with the case. The Bishop moved the High Court after a magistrate court in Pala rejected his bail application. He is currently under judicial remand in a sub-jail in Pala in Kottayam district. In her complaint to the Kottayam Police in June, the nun had alleged that Bishop Mulakkal raped her at a guest house in Kuravilangad in May 2014 and later sexually exploited her on several occasions. The nun said she had to approach the police as church authorities did not act on her repeated complaints against the clergyman. However, the bishop has denied the charges.

Kerala nun rape case: High Court dismisses Bishop Mulakkal's bail plea

A five-member Rohingya family has been identified and taken into custody by Kerala police here on Tuesday. As per the preliminary probe, the family arrived from Hyderabad to Thiruvananthapuram last night.&nbsp;

They spent the night in the railway station and travelled to Vizhinjam on Tuesday in a rickshaw. They were searching for a rental house in Vizhinjam and reached a mosque in the vicinity.&nbsp;

The five members have been identified as Sayub (36), his wife Safiya Kathum (29), his brother Irshad (27), Safiya's brother Anwar Shah (11) and her six-month-old baby Safiyan. United Nations (UN) refugee Identity cards were recovered from them.

On September 30, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) had alerted the Kerala authorities to watch out for the movement of a large number of Rohingya refugees in groups with their families to Kerala. The RPF issued a warning with a list of 14 trains on which the refugees from Myanmar are mostly moving from northeastern states.

In a letter sent by the Chief Security Commissioner of Southern Railway to the divisional security commissioners of Chennai, Madurai, Salem, Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, and Trichy, the authorities have been asked to hand over the Rohingya refugees to the police if they are found travelling in trains. A large number of Rohingya refugees have taken shelter in India and Bangladesh, and are staying in refugee camps, fleeing persecution in their country since August last year.

A five-member Rohingya family has been identified and taken into custody by Kerala police here on Tuesday. As per the preliminary probe, the family arrived from Hyderabad to Thiruvananthapuram last night.

A five-member Rohingya family has been identified and taken into custody by Kerala police here on Tuesday. As per the preliminary probe, the family arrived from Hyderabad to Thiruvananthapuram last night. They spent the night in the railway station and travelled to Vizhinjam on Tuesday in a rickshaw. They were searching for a rental house in Vizhinjam and reached a mosque in the vicinity. The five members have been identified as Sayub (36), his wife Safiya Kathum (29), his brother Irshad (27), Safiya's brother Anwar Shah (11) and her six-month-old baby Safiyan. United Nations (UN) refugee Identity cards were recovered from them. On September 30, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) had alerted the Kerala authorities to watch out for the movement of a large number of Rohingya refugees in groups with their families to Kerala. The RPF issued a warning with a list of 14 trains on which the refugees from Myanmar are mostly moving from northeastern states. In a letter sent by the Chief Security Commissioner of Southern Railway to the divisional security commissioners of Chennai, Madurai, Salem, Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, and Trichy, the authorities have been asked to hand over the Rohingya refugees to the police if they are found travelling in trains. A large number of Rohingya refugees have taken shelter in India and Bangladesh, and are staying in refugee camps, fleeing persecution in their country since August last year.

Five member Rohingya family detained by Kerala police

5 members of a Rohingya family arrested in Kerala

Rejecting the Opposition demand to file a review petition in the Supreme Court against its order, allowing women of all age groups into Sabarimala, the Kerala government Wednesday said it would implement the verdict in the coming pilgrim season itself.

A high-level meeting here of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the Lord Ayyappa temple, also decided to make necessary arrangements for women pilgrims visiting the hill shrine when it opens for the annual pilgrimage season on October 16.

Opposition Congress termed the CPI(M)-led LDF government's decision as 'unilateral' and said it was against the interest of a majority of Ayyappa devotees in and outside the state.

It alleged that TDB President A Padmakumar, who earlier pitched for filing the review, had backtracked from his stand after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan 'chided' him.

The party also decided to convene a meeting of former presidents and board members of the TDB Thursday to decide the future course of action on the matter.

The Sabarimala Temple had restricted the entry of women belonging to the age group between 10-50 as part of its age-old tradition.

On October 28, a five-judge constitution bench, headed by the then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

Vijayan said that as a government, it has to abide by the directives of the top court and make necessary arrangements for women devotees visiting the shrine.

"It is the responsibility of the government to implement the court order without any compromise. We will ensure that necessary arrangements are provided for women devotees in the coming season itself," he told reporters here.

He also took exception to the TDB president's recent remark that they were not expecting a large number of women devotees at the shrine in the wake of the apex court order.

On the protest launched by various outfits against implementing the court verdict, the Chief Minister said no one has the right to prevent women devotees if they want to offer worship at the shrine.

"When the Supreme Court has taken a stand after considering all aspects of the matter, people have to accept the law of the land. The government is for implementing it," he added.

After the TDB meeting, Padmakumar said the Board discussed the Supreme Court order in detail and decided not to file the review petition.

"We view the apex court verdict with utmost seriousness. After discussing all the aspects, the meeting decided not to file the review petition in the present context," he said.

Detailing the preparations for the coming pilgrimage season, he said special facilities would be provided to the devotees at Pamba and Nilackal, the base camps.

Temporary dormitories, women-friendly toilets and more drinking water facilities would be arranged, he said, adding that all existing arrangements would be made better useful for women devotees.

"The Board expects 40 per cent more devotees at the shrine this season in the wake of the SC verdict," Padmakumar said, adding there was no room for any concern on the Sabarimala pilgrimage.

Meanwhile, Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala flayed the government and the TDB for its decision to implement the verdict in haste.

The TDB had "failed" in its duty to safeguard the interests of Ayyappa devotees, he alleged.

He demanded that the state or the central government come out with an ordinance "to overcome the Supreme Court verdict" and protect the interests of devotees of Lord Ayyappa.

Chennithala also said the district Congress committee in Pathanamthitta would stage a fast Friday to protest the stand taken by the state government on the Sabarimala issue.

Activists of Yuva Morcha, the BJP's youth wing, took out rallies in all panchayats across the state Wednesday, urging the government to protect the centuries-old rituals and tradition of the hill shrine.

They also burnt an effigy of Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran at various places.

Hundreds of Ayyappa devotees, including women, Tuesday had blocked state and national highways in various parts of Kerala protesting the Supreme Court verdict.&nbsp;

Rejecting the Opposition demand to file a review petition in the Supreme Court against its order, allowing women of all age groups into Sabarimala, the Kerala government Wednesday said it would implement the verdict in the coming pilgrim season itself.

Rejecting the Opposition demand to file a review petition in the Supreme Court against its order, allowing women of all age groups into Sabarimala, the Kerala government Wednesday said it would implement the verdict in the coming pilgrim season itself. A high-level meeting here of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the Lord Ayyappa temple, also decided to make necessary arrangements for women pilgrims visiting the hill shrine when it opens for the annual pilgrimage season on October 16. Opposition Congress termed the CPI(M)-led LDF government's decision as 'unilateral' and said it was against the interest of a majority of Ayyappa devotees in and outside the state. It alleged that TDB President A Padmakumar, who earlier pitched for filing the review, had backtracked from his stand after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan 'chided' him. The party also decided to convene a meeting of former presidents and board members of the TDB Thursday to decide the future course of action on the matter. The Sabarimala Temple had restricted the entry of women belonging to the age group between 10-50 as part of its age-old tradition. On October 28, a five-judge constitution bench, headed by the then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine. Vijayan said that as a government, it has to abide by the directives of the top court and make necessary arrangements for women devotees visiting the shrine. "It is the responsibility of the government to implement the court order without any compromise. We will ensure that necessary arrangements are provided for women devotees in the coming season itself," he told reporters here. He also took exception to the TDB president's recent remark that they were not expecting a large number of women devotees at the shrine in the wake of the apex court order. On the protest launched by various outfits against implementing the court verdict, the Chief Minister said no one has the right to prevent women devotees if they want to offer worship at the shrine. "When the Supreme Court has taken a stand after considering all aspects of the matter, people have to accept the law of the land. The government is for implementing it," he added. After the TDB meeting, Padmakumar said the Board discussed the Supreme Court order in detail and decided not to file the review petition. "We view the apex court verdict with utmost seriousness. After discussing all the aspects, the meeting decided not to file the review petition in the present context," he said. Detailing the preparations for the coming pilgrimage season, he said special facilities would be provided to the devotees at Pamba and Nilackal, the base camps. Temporary dormitories, women-friendly toilets and more drinking water facilities would be arranged, he said, adding that all existing arrangements would be made better useful for women devotees. "The Board expects 40 per cent more devotees at the shrine this season in the wake of the SC verdict," Padmakumar said, adding there was no room for any concern on the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Meanwhile, Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala flayed the government and the TDB for its decision to implement the verdict in haste. The TDB had "failed" in its duty to safeguard the interests of Ayyappa devotees, he alleged. He demanded that the state or the central government come out with an ordinance "to overcome the Supreme Court verdict" and protect the interests of devotees of Lord Ayyappa. Chennithala also said the district Congress committee in Pathanamthitta would stage a fast Friday to protest the stand taken by the state government on the Sabarimala issue. Activists of Yuva Morcha, the BJP's youth wing, took out rallies in all panchayats across the state Wednesday, urging the government to protect the centuries-old rituals and tradition of the hill shrine. They also burnt an effigy of Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran at various places. Hundreds of Ayyappa devotees, including women, Tuesday had blocked state and national highways in various parts of Kerala protesting the Supreme Court verdict.

Sabarimala verdict: Kerala government, TDB not to challenge Supreme Court's order

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday cautioned the state authorities against a warning sounded by the Indian Meteorological Department. CM Vijayan stated that the IMD has "issued a warning about a low-pressure area in the Arabian sea close to Sri Lankan coast," which may develop into a cyclonic storm and hit the state.&nbsp;

"The predicted trajectory will be along the coast of Lakshadweep," news agency ANI quoted CM Vijayan who added that a red alert has been sounded in three districts for October 7.

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IMD has issued a warning about a low-pressure area in the Arabian sea close to Sri Lankan coast. This is likely to develop into a cyclonic storm and a warning has been issued on the same. The predicted trajectory will be along the coast of Lakshadweep: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan <a href="https://t.co/DegbBci0SY">pic.twitter.com/DegbBci0SY</a>
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"Fishermen have been advised to reach to the safer coast by October 5. A warning has been issued, a red alert has been declared in 3 districts for October 7. Disaster Management Authority has met to assess the situation. We've sought support from central agencies and five companies of NDRF," the chief minister added. &nbsp;

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District administration has been directed to take necessary action to handle the crisis. Tourists have been advised not to travel to hilly regions, especially to Munnar to see the Neelakurinji: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan <a href="https://t.co/UeJqHXGAd1">pic.twitter.com/UeJqHXGAd1</a>
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He also shared that the district administration has been directed to take necessary action to handle the crisis. "Tourists have been advised not to travel to hilly regions, especially to Munnar to see the Neelakurinji," CM Vijayan noted.

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Fishermen have been advised to reach safer coast by 5 Oct. Warning has been issued. Red alert has been declared in 3 districts for 7 Oct. Disaster Mgmt Authority has met to assess the situation. We've sought support from central agencies&amp;asked for 5 companies of NDRF: Kerala CM <a href="https://t.co/BUgvI85rtv">pic.twitter.com/BUgvI85rtv</a>
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Unabated rainfall in Kerala during this monsoon season wreaked havoc, prompting the state authorities to open the shutters of as many as 22 dangerously full dams and reservoirs.

Mammoth flooding, landslides destroyed many parts of the state rendering lakhs of people homeless and displaced who took shelter in over 5,000 relief camps set-up across Kerala.&nbsp;

The destructive deluge claimed nearly 500 lives with an estimated loss to the state worth over Rs 21,000 crore.&nbsp;

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday cautioned the state authorities against a warning sounded by the Indian Meteorological Department. CM Vijayan stated that the IMD has "issued a warning about a low-pressure area in the Arabian sea close to Sri Lankan coast," which may develop into a cyclonic storm and hit the state.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday cautioned the state authorities against a warning sounded by the Indian Meteorological Department. CM Vijayan stated that the IMD has "issued a warning about a low-pressure area in the Arabian sea close to Sri Lankan coast," which may develop into a cyclonic storm and hit the state. "The predicted trajectory will be along the coast of Lakshadweep," news agency ANI quoted CM Vijayan who added that a red alert has been sounded in three districts for October 7. IMD has issued a warning about a low-pressure area in the Arabian sea close to Sri Lankan coast. This is likely to develop into a cyclonic storm and a warning has been issued on the same. The predicted trajectory will be along the coast of Lakshadweep: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan pic.twitter.com/DegbBci0SY — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × "Fishermen have been advised to reach to the safer coast by October 5. A warning has been issued, a red alert has been declared in 3 districts for October 7. Disaster Management Authority has met to assess the situation. We've sought support from central agencies and five companies of NDRF," the chief minister added. District administration has been directed to take necessary action to handle the crisis. Tourists have been advised not to travel to hilly regions, especially to Munnar to see the Neelakurinji: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan pic.twitter.com/UeJqHXGAd1 — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × He also shared that the district administration has been directed to take necessary action to handle the crisis. "Tourists have been advised not to travel to hilly regions, especially to Munnar to see the Neelakurinji," CM Vijayan noted. Fishermen have been advised to reach safer coast by 5 Oct. Warning has been issued. Red alert has been declared in 3 districts for 7 Oct. Disaster Mgmt Authority has met to assess the situation. We've sought support from central agencies&asked for 5 companies of NDRF: Kerala CM pic.twitter.com/BUgvI85rtv — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × Unabated rainfall in Kerala during this monsoon season wreaked havoc, prompting the state authorities to open the shutters of as many as 22 dangerously full dams and reservoirs. Mammoth flooding, landslides destroyed many parts of the state rendering lakhs of people homeless and displaced who took shelter in over 5,000 relief camps set-up across Kerala. The destructive deluge claimed nearly 500 lives with an estimated loss to the state worth over Rs 21,000 crore.

Cyclone in the offing? Kerala CM issues warning, red alert sounded in 3 districts 

Hundreds of Ayyappa devotees, including women, blocked state and national highways in various parts of Kerala Tuesday protesting the recent Supreme Court verdict, permitting women of all ages to worship at the hill shrine at Sabarimala.

The 'Antarrashtriya Hindu Parishad' (International Hindu organisation), an outfit launched by Praveen Togadia after being sidelined from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, was among the outfits which launched the protests.

In the state capital, the activists squatted on the road at Killipalam from 11 AM to 12 AM, chanting Ayyappa mantras, but allowed ambulances and vehicles carrying patients to pass.

Ambili, a woman activist from Idukki, doused herself with petrol, but was immediately whisked away by police.

The activists held aloft placards, stating that the court was not bigger than Lord Ayyappa and demanded that the state and central government enact suitable legislation to maintain the age old ban.

On October 28, a five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

Rahul Easwar, activist and President of Ayyappa Dharma Sena, took out a march from Hanuman Kovil to Palayam here.

In Pandalam in Pathnamthitta district, the Ayyappa Dharma Samrakshana Samithi led a march under the leadership of the Pandalam Royal family and observed Tuesday as 'Ayyappa Dharma Samrakshana' (Save Lord Ayyappa) day.

A march was taken out from the medical mission junction to the Pandalam Ayyappa temple, in which thousands of people, including women took part, chanting 'Ayyappa Sarnam' and demanded a review of the Supreme Court verdict.

The Pandalam Palace Nirvahaka Sangam denied some social media reports that the Pandalam palace would not hand over the "thiruvabharanam" (sacred ornaments worn by Lord Ayyappa) to temple authorities during the Makaravilakku festival, to protest against the court verdict.

Roads were blocked at Kollam, Alapuzha, Palakkad and Kochi.

The AHP said it would also begin taking signatures from believers visiting temples against the verdict.&nbsp;

Hundreds of Ayyappa devotees, including women, blocked state and national highways in various parts of Kerala Tuesday protesting the recent Supreme Court verdict, permitting women of all ages to worship at the hill shrine at Sabarimala.

Hundreds of Ayyappa devotees, including women, blocked state and national highways in various parts of Kerala Tuesday protesting the recent Supreme Court verdict, permitting women of all ages to worship at the hill shrine at Sabarimala. The 'Antarrashtriya Hindu Parishad' (International Hindu organisation), an outfit launched by Praveen Togadia after being sidelined from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, was among the outfits which launched the protests. In the state capital, the activists squatted on the road at Killipalam from 11 AM to 12 AM, chanting Ayyappa mantras, but allowed ambulances and vehicles carrying patients to pass. Ambili, a woman activist from Idukki, doused herself with petrol, but was immediately whisked away by police. The activists held aloft placards, stating that the court was not bigger than Lord Ayyappa and demanded that the state and central government enact suitable legislation to maintain the age old ban. On October 28, a five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine. Rahul Easwar, activist and President of Ayyappa Dharma Sena, took out a march from Hanuman Kovil to Palayam here. In Pandalam in Pathnamthitta district, the Ayyappa Dharma Samrakshana Samithi led a march under the leadership of the Pandalam Royal family and observed Tuesday as 'Ayyappa Dharma Samrakshana' (Save Lord Ayyappa) day. A march was taken out from the medical mission junction to the Pandalam Ayyappa temple, in which thousands of people, including women took part, chanting 'Ayyappa Sarnam' and demanded a review of the Supreme Court verdict. The Pandalam Palace Nirvahaka Sangam denied some social media reports that the Pandalam palace would not hand over the "thiruvabharanam" (sacred ornaments worn by Lord Ayyappa) to temple authorities during the Makaravilakku festival, to protest against the court verdict. Roads were blocked at Kollam, Alapuzha, Palakkad and Kochi. The AHP said it would also begin taking signatures from believers visiting temples against the verdict.

Hundreds of Ayyappa devotees block roads in Kerala protesting SC verdict

The&nbsp;Railway Protection Force&nbsp;(RPF) has alerted the&nbsp;Kerala&nbsp;authorities to watch out for the movement of a large number of Rohingya refugees in groups with their families to&nbsp;Kerala.

The RPF has issued a warning with a list of 14 trains on which the refugees from&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;are mostly moving from the northeastern states.

In a letter sent by the&nbsp;Chief Security Commissioner&nbsp;of&nbsp;Southern Railway&nbsp;to the divisional security commissioners of Chennai, Madurai, Salem, Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, and Trichy, the authorities have been asked to hand the Rohingyas over to police if they are found travelling on rails.

"If found in these trains, they may be handed over to the local police. An action taken report should be sent," the letter read.

A large number of Rohingya refugees have taken shelter in&nbsp;India&nbsp;and Bangladesh, and are staying in refugee camps, fleeing persecution in their country since August last year.

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has alerted the Kerala authorities to watch out for the movement of a large number of Rohingya refugees in groups with their families to Kerala.

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has alerted the Kerala authorities to watch out for the movement of a large number of Rohingya refugees in groups with their families to Kerala. The RPF has issued a warning with a list of 14 trains on which the refugees from Myanmar are mostly moving from the northeastern states. In a letter sent by the Chief Security Commissioner of Southern Railway to the divisional security commissioners of Chennai, Madurai, Salem, Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, and Trichy, the authorities have been asked to hand the Rohingyas over to police if they are found travelling on rails. "If found in these trains, they may be handed over to the local police. An action taken report should be sent," the letter read. A large number of Rohingya refugees have taken shelter in India and Bangladesh, and are staying in refugee camps, fleeing persecution in their country since August last year.

Railway police alerts Kerala over movement of Rohingyas

Hundred Member of Parliaments (MPs) from across India have contributed an amount of Rs 43.66 crore from the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) fund for the rehabilitation works in flood-affected areas of Kerala.

The scheme has a provision for MPs to contribute funds for rehabilitation and reconstruction works in the areas affected by severe calamity.

On August 24, an appeal to all MPs was issued by the Minister of Statistics Programme Implementation, DV Sadananda Gowda, to contribute from their MPLADS fund for the rehabilitation work, after the Ministry of Home Affairs declared the flood situation in Kerala as severe in nature.

As per guideline of the scheme, an MP can contribute upto Rs 1 crore from MPLADS fund for rehabilitation works in affected areas.

Out of the total MPs, 56 are from the Rajya Sabha, who have contributed Rs 29.82 crore while the rest Rs 13.84 crore came from 44 Lok Sabha members.

30 MPs have contributed Rs 1 crore including AK Antony, KTS Tulsi, Amar Singh, Prem Chand Gupta, Suresh Prabhu and M J Akhbar among others, 12 MPs contributed Rs 50 lakh or more and 12 MPs contributed Rs. 25 lakh.

Rest of the MPs have contributed between Rs 1 lakh to less than Rs 25 lakh.

Out of the total 100 MPs, six are from Kerala, 14 of Uttar Pradesh, 11 from Maharashtra, nine of Bihar, seven MPs of Gujarat, four each from Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan, three MPs each from Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, two MPs each from Chhattisgarh, Goa, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and one MP each of Chandigarh, Dadar and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura.

A separate bank account has been already opened by the Government of Kerala to receive this amount.

A month ago, Kerala was hit by the worst floods in nearly a century, which claimed lives of more than 400 people and caused damage to the tune of nearly Rs 20,000 crore.&nbsp;

Hundred Member of Parliaments (MPs) from across India have contributed an amount of Rs 43.66 crore from the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) fund for the rehabilitation works in flood-affected areas of Kerala.

Hundred Member of Parliaments (MPs) from across India have contributed an amount of Rs 43.66 crore from the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) fund for the rehabilitation works in flood-affected areas of Kerala. The scheme has a provision for MPs to contribute funds for rehabilitation and reconstruction works in the areas affected by severe calamity. On August 24, an appeal to all MPs was issued by the Minister of Statistics Programme Implementation, DV Sadananda Gowda, to contribute from their MPLADS fund for the rehabilitation work, after the Ministry of Home Affairs declared the flood situation in Kerala as severe in nature. As per guideline of the scheme, an MP can contribute upto Rs 1 crore from MPLADS fund for rehabilitation works in affected areas. Out of the total MPs, 56 are from the Rajya Sabha, who have contributed Rs 29.82 crore while the rest Rs 13.84 crore came from 44 Lok Sabha members. 30 MPs have contributed Rs 1 crore including AK Antony, KTS Tulsi, Amar Singh, Prem Chand Gupta, Suresh Prabhu and M J Akhbar among others, 12 MPs contributed Rs 50 lakh or more and 12 MPs contributed Rs. 25 lakh. Rest of the MPs have contributed between Rs 1 lakh to less than Rs 25 lakh. Out of the total 100 MPs, six are from Kerala, 14 of Uttar Pradesh, 11 from Maharashtra, nine of Bihar, seven MPs of Gujarat, four each from Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan, three MPs each from Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, two MPs each from Chhattisgarh, Goa, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and one MP each of Chandigarh, Dadar and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura. A separate bank account has been already opened by the Government of Kerala to receive this amount. A month ago, Kerala was hit by the worst floods in nearly a century, which claimed lives of more than 400 people and caused damage to the tune of nearly Rs 20,000 crore.

Kerala: MPs give over Rs 40 crore fund for flood relief

Two priests and a functionary of a prominent Syrian Church in Kerala have formally joined BJP, giving a boost to the saffron party's bid to reach out to minorities in the state ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in 2019.

Fr Geevarghese Thomas Kizhakkedam, a 43-year-old vicar of a Jacobite Syrian Church near Pala, joined BJP on Saturday along with deacon Andrews Mangalath and another priest Fr Thomas Kulathumkal.

Deacon is a post just below the rank of a priest in the religious order.

Fr Kizhakkedam said more people from the minority community are ready to join the party, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah.

They were welcomed to the party fold by its Kerala state president P S Sreedharan Pillai and district unit chief N Hari at a function here on Saturday.

Talking to PTI, Kizhakkedam said he has been a follower of BJP since 1997, two years after joining an institute near Anand in Gujarat for pursuing a BCA course.

He said the BJP is not a communal outfit, as being alleged by "so called secular parties" like Congress and BJP.

"I am convinced that BJP is the party that represents all sections of society. The party-led governments are pro-poor and take care of the needs of each and every section of the society," he said.

Recalling his personal experience when Narendra Modi took over as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001, he said he had applied for a ration card and the officer concerned sought a bribe. It was soon after Modi became Chief Minister.

"I wrote to him complaining about the official. I got a reply from the Chief Minister's office in seven days, informing me that my ration card is ready. Can we think about such a prompt action in Kerala? Such was the quality of his governance," the Kizhakkedam said.

The priest claimed that more Christian priests had contacted him, expressing interest in associating with the BJP.

Asked whether he was willing to accept any post in the party, Kizhakkedam said he joined BJP without aspirations for any post and added that he was ready to accept whatever responsibilities were given to him to serve the party.

"But that should not become a hindrance to my responsibilities as a parish priest," he said. 
BJP district president Hari alleged that minorities in Kerala, including Christians and Muslims, constituting nearly 50 per cent of the state's population, were being misled by the state's prominent political forces, including Congress and the Left. 
"Now they have realised the truth. They understand that the anti-BJP propaganda unleashed by these parties in the state is fake. We are certain that more people will come forward to join BJP. The response we get from these sections of society is overwhelming," Hari said.&nbsp;

Two priests and a functionary of a prominent Syrian Church in Kerala have formally joined BJP, giving a boost to the saffron party's bid to reach out to minorities in the state ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in 2019.

Two priests and a functionary of a prominent Syrian Church in Kerala have formally joined BJP, giving a boost to the saffron party's bid to reach out to minorities in the state ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in 2019. Fr Geevarghese Thomas Kizhakkedam, a 43-year-old vicar of a Jacobite Syrian Church near Pala, joined BJP on Saturday along with deacon Andrews Mangalath and another priest Fr Thomas Kulathumkal. Deacon is a post just below the rank of a priest in the religious order. Fr Kizhakkedam said more people from the minority community are ready to join the party, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. They were welcomed to the party fold by its Kerala state president P S Sreedharan Pillai and district unit chief N Hari at a function here on Saturday. Talking to PTI, Kizhakkedam said he has been a follower of BJP since 1997, two years after joining an institute near Anand in Gujarat for pursuing a BCA course. He said the BJP is not a communal outfit, as being alleged by "so called secular parties" like Congress and BJP. "I am convinced that BJP is the party that represents all sections of society. The party-led governments are pro-poor and take care of the needs of each and every section of the society," he said. Recalling his personal experience when Narendra Modi took over as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001, he said he had applied for a ration card and the officer concerned sought a bribe. It was soon after Modi became Chief Minister. "I wrote to him complaining about the official. I got a reply from the Chief Minister's office in seven days, informing me that my ration card is ready. Can we think about such a prompt action in Kerala? Such was the quality of his governance," the Kizhakkedam said. The priest claimed that more Christian priests had contacted him, expressing interest in associating with the BJP. Asked whether he was willing to accept any post in the party, Kizhakkedam said he joined BJP without aspirations for any post and added that he was ready to accept whatever responsibilities were given to him to serve the party. "But that should not become a hindrance to my responsibilities as a parish priest," he said. BJP district president Hari alleged that minorities in Kerala, including Christians and Muslims, constituting nearly 50 per cent of the state's population, were being misled by the state's prominent political forces, including Congress and the Left. "Now they have realised the truth. They understand that the anti-BJP propaganda unleashed by these parties in the state is fake. We are certain that more people will come forward to join BJP. The response we get from these sections of society is overwhelming," Hari said.

Kerala: Two prominent Syrian church priests join BJP

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