Konni MLA and CPM Pathanamthitta district committee member, KU Janishkumar, has found himself in the midst of controversy after his recent visit to the Guruvayur temple. The MLA, accompanied by his family, visited the temple two days ago, with Kerala Congress (M) MLA Pramod Narayanan from Ranni also in attendance. A photograph of Janishkumar donning traditional attire during the temple visit has since surfaced.
The MLA’s visit to the temple has sparked internal discussions within the party, leading to differing opinions. Some sections argue that Janishkumar’s visit contradicts the central committee’s directive, which urges party office-bearers and key leaders to refrain from engaging in rituals associated with faith. They question whether the MLA’s darshan at a temple outside his constituency should be considered a matter of faith.
Janishkumar, while acknowledging his visit to the temple, has attempted to clarify the situation, stating that there is no need for controversy. He confirmed the visit and emphasized that there is no party ban on temple darshan or instructions to abstain from religious rituals. He further asserted that whether his visit was based on faith or personal belief is a matter of individual choice.
The Communist Party has traditionally maintained a stance against involving itself in religious affairs. However, there have been reports indicating that some members of the party secretly visit temples despite this ideological stance.
This is not the first time that temple visits by party members have generated discussion within the CPM. In the past, the temple visits of central committee member EP Jayarajan and state committee member Katakampally Surendran were subject to internal scrutiny. During the first Pinarayi government, Jayarajan visited a temple in Kannur following his removal from a ministerial post due to the appointment of a relative.
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