Dalits allege untouchability in Kerala temple controlled by CPM

On 12 November 1936, the Maharaja of Travancore signed the historic Temple Entry Proclamation, opening the doors of temples to all, irrespective of their caste. Eight decades after the epoch-making decision, Kerala is still plagued by various forms of untouchability, as is evident from the allegations by Dalits of Kannur that they are being discriminated by a temple controlled by Communist Party of India -Marxist (CPM).  

A section of Dalits at Azhikkal in Kannur have started an agitation alleging that the temple authorities were discriminating them in the conduct of the temple festivals. Even though the 'Thiruvayudham Ezhunnallathu' (procession carrying the sacred sword) of Pampadiyalil Temple at Azhikkal would visit all Hindu families in the locality, except the Pulaya (a Dalit community) houses. Thekkan Sunil Kumar, leader of  Janathipathya Rashtriya Sabha, a partner of the BJP-led NDA,on Wednesday began an indefinite fast in front of Kannur Collectorate seeking abolition of the discriminatory practice. 

Two years back, when the district collector convened a meeting to look into the complaints of caste discrimination, the temple committee had agreed to end the untouchability. But the temple procession continued to avoid Pulaya houses deliberately, the JRS leader said. 

Temple Committee representatives, however, denied the allegations and stated that they would consider a  change in the conduct of the procession if the Dalit in the locality wanted so. "It is a custom carried through generations, and it cannot be changed overnight," they said. 

The committee, controlled by the CPM, has decided to convene the general body meeting on 12 March to take a decision on visiting Pulaya houses during the procession, fearing that the BJP might benefit from the controversy. 

• Untouchability
• Dalit discrimination
• CPM
• Kerala