The Thrissur Pooram festival in Kerala has been engulfed in controversy once again, with recent allegations by LDF MLA P V Anvar against senior IPS officer M R Ajith Kumar bringing renewed attention to the events that unfolded during the festival in April 2023.
Anvar, in a Facebook post, accused Ajith Kumar, the ADGP (Law and Order), of being responsible for the police interventions during the Pooram rituals, which marred the festival’s celebrations. His accusations went beyond the festival, including serious allegations against Kumar, such as involvement in gold smuggling and illegal wealth accumulation. These claims have sparked a political uproar in Kerala, prompting the state government to announce an investigation into the matter.
CPI leader and former minister V S Sunil Kumar, along with former MP K Muraleedharan, who ran as a Congress candidate, have also voiced concerns about the police actions and their impact on the Pooram festival. They believe that the controversies surrounding the event played a significant role in the victory of BJP candidate Suresh Gopi in the constituency.
Sunil Kumar, while acknowledging a lack of evidence beyond Anvar’s claims regarding Kumar’s involvement in the Pooram incidents, emphasized the need for the government to release the investigation report on the controversial events. He stated, “We don’t have any evidence other than what Anvar said. But, in the wake of the present controversies, I want the government to release the investigation report on the controversial incidents that happened during Pooram at the earliest.”
The CPI leader further demanded that those responsible for attempting to disrupt the Thrissur Pooram be exposed and held accountable, claiming that a conspiracy with political motives was hatched to disrupt the annual spectacle. He also questioned the presence of BJP candidate Suresh Gopi and other RSS leaders at the festival during the unfortunate incidents.
Muraleedharan, aligning with Sunil Kumar’s sentiments, alleged that the Pooram rituals were deliberately marred. He accused the Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, of having a role in the events, claiming it was a ploy to ensure the victory of the BJP candidate Suresh Gopi. He demanded a judicial probe into the matter and has stated that he will be writing to the Chief Minister demanding the same. Muraleedharan reiterated allegations of an understanding between the BJP, CPI(M), and Chief Minister Vijayan regarding the Thrissur Pooram.
The temple festival faced significant controversies due to alleged police restrictions and interference in rituals on the night of April 16. The fireworks display, a major highlight of the festival, was moved to broad daylight the following day for the first time in the festival’s history, disappointing many attendees.
The police’s alleged interference and the delayed fireworks sparked widespread criticism from the opposition Congress and BJP, who condemned the LDF government for their actions. In response to the mounting pressure, the Kerala government, on April 21, instructed the state police chief to investigate the controversies surrounding the Thrissur Pooram and submit a report within a week.
The allegations, the political fallout, and the ongoing investigation have cast a shadow over the Thrissur Pooram, a festival known for its vibrant traditions and cultural significance. The release of the investigation report is awaited with much anticipation, as it holds the potential to shed light on the truth behind the events and potentially lead to further actions against those involved.
