A recent temple festival in Kottukkal, under the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), has ignited a political firestorm after a professional music troupe performed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) gana geetham (prayer song) during a gana mela (musical concert) held in the early hours of Sunday. The event has stirred controversy, drawing sharp criticism from the opposition Congress party.
According to reports, not only was the RSS song performed at the temple premises, but RSS flags were also allegedly hoisted as part of the festivities. This has led to allegations of political symbolism at a religious venue, something expressly cautioned against by the Kerala High Court, which previously ruled that temple premises should not be used for political activities.
Congress Slams Politicisation of Temple Space
Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan voiced strong objections, stating that the incident reflects “a matter of grave concern.” He urged the Devaswom Board to take swift and strict action against those responsible for breaching the sanctity of a religious space.
“Temples are spiritual and cultural centers for devotees, not platforms for political propaganda,” said Satheesan. “Politicising temple festivals shows a narrow-minded and divisive approach, and both the TDB and the government must respond with firmness.”
He emphasized that this violation is particularly serious given the clear judicial mandate restricting the use of temple grounds for political events.
Police Investigation Underway
The Kadakkal police confirmed that they have received a complaint from a member of the temple’s advisory committee. However, no formal case has been registered as of now. Authorities are reviewing the matter, and further action may follow based on the investigation’s findings.
This controversy follows close on the heels of another incident within the same police jurisdiction, where songs praising the Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M), were reportedly sung during a different temple festival — raising broader concerns over increasing political interference in religious celebrations across the state.
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Public Reaction and Broader Implications
The episode has sparked widespread debate on social media and among political observers, with many questioning the growing trend of mixing politics with religion in Kerala. With both left and right-wing parties now facing accusations of using temple festivals for political messaging, calls are growing louder for stricter oversight by temple management boards.
As the investigation unfolds, the incident is likely to remain a point of contention in Kerala’s politically charged atmosphere, with broader implications for how religious spaces are safeguarded from ideological influences.
