Kunhallikutty’s Business Interests Vs Gurudeva Temple

Kochi: The state government’s decision to demolish Vennala temple under the pretext of acquiring land or metro rail project has met with hostile outcry from the Hindus. A protest meet is being planned on Wednesday 12 August by SNDP Youth Movement, where a Human shield is being planned around the temple. The land where the temple stands, the largest of Gurudevan’s temples in Kerala is allegedly in the government radar so that vested interests of businessmen belonging to other religious communities remain safe.

“Thousands of devotees throng the temple daily. So, we will thwart the government’s move at any cost,” said members of SNDP Youth Movement.

Protest meets were also organized by BJP in various parts of Ernakulam district. “Kerala, which had earned the notorious appellation of ‘bhraanthaalayam’ or mental asylum changed to ‘kshetralayam’ or land of temples because of Sree Narayana Gurudevan. And now, it is the temple of this seer which is going to be demolished. This is akin to plunging the entire state into darkness,” said state the BJP’s state unit, adding that unless the government revokes this stand, the state shall witness a spate of protests.

The current move by Oommen Chandy government is allegedly to safeguard the business interests of a relative of Kunhalikutty and the owners of Abad group. According to the current plan, the SNDP also stands to lose part of a shopping complex as well. The state government is said to have taken communal stands on earlier occasions in connection with construction of Pachalam over-bridge, Vytilla mobility hub etc.