Parody row: Samithi chief questions intent of complainant

Kottayam: Sabarimala Thiruvabharana Patha Samrakshana Samithi chairman K Haridas has questioned the intention of Prasad Kuzhikala, who gave a complaint against the parody song ‘Pottiye Kettiye'.In a news conference in Pathanamthitta on Wednesday, Haridas, along with Samithi general convener G Rajeesh, said that Prasad had left the forum four years ago. Haridas alleged that the complaint against the parody was not due to devotion towards Ayyappa. He questioned whether writing a song or exposing gold theft offends religious sentiments. He alleged that the move to give a complaint was not for protecting faith or sentiments of devotees. The complaint is to protect those who indulged in the theft, he said.Haridas said that the forum was not condoning the song. "But we are opposing those who never condemned the gold theft at Sabarimala now coming out against the song," he said. The complainant, Kuzhikala, has a close relationship with certain individuals, he alleged."Sabarimala Thiruvabharanam Protection Committee was formed under the leadership of devotees to protect the Thiruvabharana path, not to protect or shield anyone. The song exposing the theft at Sabarimala has been heard across Kerala. Legally, anyone has the right to write a parody," said Haridas. He asked on what basis will the song be banned.