Kerala BJP Opposes Proposed Hike in Sabarimala Virtual Queue Booking Fee
The Kerala BJP is set to protest against the proposed increase in the Sabarimala virtual queue booking fee from ₹5 to ₹10, citing financial burden on pilgrims.
Thiruvananthapuram, October 15 (Daily Kiran) : The Kerala BJP plans to protest against a proposed increase in the virtual queue booking fee for Sabarimala, raising it from ₹5 to ₹10. Anoop Antony, the party’s state general secretary, announced the opposition on Thursday.
With the annual pilgrimage season starting next month, Antony emphasized that this increase would place an additional financial burden on the pilgrims visiting the hill shrine. He accused the Travancore Devaswom Board of attempting to collect more money from devotees under the guise of providing free toilet facilities.
Initially, the virtual queue booking was free, but the board later imposed a ₹5 fee. Antony deemed the proposed hike to ₹10 unacceptable, especially since many pilgrims travel to Sabarimala with their families or in large groups.
He questioned why devotees should pay more when basic facilities at the shrine are inadequate. He highlighted that the paid toilets often remain in poor condition and suffer from water shortages, causing significant inconvenience to pilgrims during the busy pilgrimage seasons.
Antony expressed skepticism about the board’s promise of free toilet facilities when the paid ones are not properly maintained. He urged the board to focus on improving facilities for pilgrims instead of repeatedly increasing fees.
He warned that this proposed increase could set a precedent for future hikes. Antony also referenced ongoing controversies regarding the alleged theft of gold and other valuables at Sabarimala. He accused the board of failing to protect the interests of pilgrims while seeking to boost its income through additional fees.
He asserted that if the board cannot provide necessary facilities for pilgrims, it should openly acknowledge its shortcomings. The BJP, along with the central government, is ready to provide essential services for free, but the board must first admit its incapacity.
Antony stated that the BJP will not allow the board to exploit the religious sentiments of devotees or impose extra financial burdens. He warned that if the board proceeds with this decision, the party will legally challenge the proposed fee increase and organize protests. He reaffirmed the BJP’s commitment to standing with Sabarimala pilgrims and fighting for their rights.
