'Politicising religious spaces': Congress slams RSS song at temple in Kerala

NEW DELHI: A musical performance featuring the RSS "gana geetham" (prayer song) at a temple in Kottukkal, managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), has ignited row, with the opposition Congress demanding strict action against those involved.
The song was performed by a professional music troupe during a gana mela (musical fest) held in the early hours of Sunday as part of temple festivities. According to PTI, the police said there were also allegations that RSS flags had been erected on the temple premises in connection with the event.
Leader of the opposition V D Satheesan called the incident “a matter of grave concern,” citing a high court directive that bars political activity on temple grounds.
He urged the TDB to act swiftly and firmly, stating, “Temples belong to devotees. Politicising religious spaces reflects a narrow-minded approach.”
Kadakkal police confirmed receiving a complaint from a member of the temple’s advisory committee but said no case had yet been registered.
The controversy follows a recent incident in the same police jurisdiction where "revolutionary songs" praising the CPM were reportedly performed during another temple festival, further fuelling debate over political influence in religious spaces.