Pathanamthitta, Kerala. Konni MLA Jenish Kumar had to face criticism from many quarters for visiting the Guruvayur Temple and following its rituals such as wearing a dhoti on his upper body and applying sandal paste on his forehead.
This is not the first time that temple visits by party members have generated discussion within the CPM. The CPI(M) is usually critical of its leaders, who visit temples or follow any kind of Hindu practices. Even senior leaders like Kadaakampally Surendran, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, etc. had faced similar criticisms when they visited temples. Interestingly, it is said that the criticisms are usually reserved for visiting temples and following Hindu practices. 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.
Jenish Kumar was quick to dismiss these criticisms and, according to a report, said that he visited the Guruvayur temple only to take part in a friend’s wedding function. He also added that when he had reached the temple he followed the rituals of the temple.
