Mangaluru : Senior Congress leader B Janardhana Poojary has said that the Kerala government should initiate measures to allow women of all age groups enter Sabarimala Temple.

He told reporters on Monday, “Women have already entered the Sabarimala Shrine. There is nothing wrong in it. God will be pleased if women of all age groups are allowed into the temple.”

Further, Poojary said, “Lord Ayyappa has not prohibited women from entering the shrine. Those who oppose the entry of women into the temple are engaged in politics. There is a need to initiate strict action against those who oppose entry of women of menstrual age into the temple.”

He appealed to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to ensure women devotees are given security. “The chief minister himself has announced that three women have entered the temple. As a chief minister, Vijayan should discharge his duty. He should take action against me too, if I oppose the entry of women,” he stressed.

“People always say Mathru Devo Bhava, which means that mother is like God. It is a big conspiracy against women. Are they (women) not children of God,” he asked.

With reference to Kannada scholar Prof K S Bhagawan commenting on Lord Rama in his book, however, Poojary said, “This is unfortunate. Was Prof Bhagawan there during Lord Rama’s time? Did he ever see him (Lord Rama) consuming non-vegetarian food? Prophet Mohammed is for Muslims, Jesus Christ is for Christians, and Sri Rama is for Hindus. We revere them.”

On contesting the Lok Sabha elections, Poojary said that he would contest if he were given ticket.

“I will continue in politics. I will meet the party High Command in New Delhi soon and seek ticket for the coming Lok Sabha elections,” said the leader.