September 20, 2024 — The Congress party in Kerala has raised serious concerns about the disruption of the Thrissur Pooram festival. On Friday, they stated that a recent response from the police under the Right to Information (RTI) Act supports their suspicions of sabotage. The party is now calling for a judicial probe into the incident.
The Thrissur Pooram is one of the most famous festivals in Kerala. It attracts thousands of visitors each year with its vibrant processions, traditional music, and elaborate decorations. However, this year’s celebrations faced significant disruption, leaving many attendees frustrated and confused.
KPCC president K Sudhakaran made a statement following the RTI response from the police. He pointed out that the police have not conducted any investigation into the disruptions. According to the information obtained, there is no indication of any ongoing investigation, which raises further questions about the handling of the situation.
Sudhakaran emphasized that the lack of action from law enforcement is troubling. He believes it suggests negligence or a deliberate attempt to cover up what really happened during the festival. “The people of Kerala deserve to know the truth,” he said. “We cannot let such a significant cultural event be undermined without accountability.”
The RTI response revealed that despite the significant disruption to the festivities, the police had not taken steps to investigate. This has fueled the Congress party’s claims that there is more to the story. Sudhakaran mentioned that this raises suspicions of possible sabotage, indicating that someone may have intentionally disrupted the celebrations.
The Congress party has also called for a detailed report from the authorities. They want to understand what led to the disruptions and why there has been no investigation. Sudhakaran noted that transparency is essential. “The festival is not just an event; it is part of our cultural heritage,” he stated. “We must protect it from any harm.”
Local leaders from the Congress party joined Sudhakaran in demanding action. They have called on the government to take this matter seriously. The absence of a police investigation is seen as a failure to protect the festival and its attendees. Many in the community are concerned about what this could mean for future events.
The Thrissur Pooram is celebrated annually in April or May, depending on the Malayalam calendar. It involves a grand display of decorated elephants, traditional percussion music, and a series of rituals that date back centuries. It is not only a local celebration but also a significant event that attracts tourists from all over India and beyond.
The disruptions this year affected many aspects of the festival. Reports indicate that some processions were delayed or altered, leading to chaos in the streets of Thrissur. Attendees expressed their disappointment and confusion. Many families who traveled long distances to witness the festival were particularly upset.
The Congress party’s demands for a judicial probe come amid calls for accountability in various sectors of government. Sudhakaran stated that this incident is just one example of a larger issue. “We see a pattern where cultural events are not being prioritized. This must change,” he argued.
Supporters of the Congress party have rallied behind these demands. They are urging others in the community to speak out. There is a growing feeling that the government needs to take cultural events seriously and ensure they are protected.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond. The Congress party has vowed to continue pushing for answers. They believe that the people of Kerala deserve clarity about what happened during the Thrissur Pooram.
