Sabarimala temple row HIGHLIGHTS: Government planning to remove restrictions around hill shrine

Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan’s vehicle was blocked by police while he was returning from Sabarimala temple early on Thursday, prompting the BJP to claim the move was a deliberate attempt to insult him. The minister was travelling in a private vehicle as he took a state-run bus to Pambha leaving his official car as a mark of protest against the difficulties being faced by the devotees.The minister was forced to spend 45 minutes on road. Superintendent of police Harishankar apologised in writing after minister the refused to move. The BJP protested and sought action against police officials who blocked the minister who came for a darshan on Wednesday evening.Here are the highlights:

3:00 PM IST

In this file photo dated Dec 24, 2014, a ‘Karppoorazhi’ procession is being taken out at Lord Ayyappa temple, in Sabarimala. Supreme Court on Friday, Sept 28, 2018, announced it verdict allowing entry of women of all ages at the Sabarimala temple. (PTI)

CM assured the governer measures, says communique from Raj Bhawan

The CM assured the governer measures will be taken to ensure smooth pilgrimage to Sabrimala, said a communique from Raj Bhawan after the meeting.

13:02 PM IST

CM Pinarayi Vijayan calls governor to discuss sabarimala issue.

Chief minister pinarayi vijayan calls on governor sathasivam to discuss sabarimala issue. Bjp has been pressurizing the governor for some time citing the situation in hilltop temple

12:08 PM IST

Govt planning to remove restrictions in Sabarimala

After the high court rap, the government is planning to remove restrictions in Sabarimala. The court had criticised the government for making pilgrimage more cumbersome.

11:57 AM IST

Police deny blocking the vehicle of Pon Radhakrishnan

Police deny blocking the vehicle of Pon Radhakrishnan. Superintendent of Police Harishankar says it was a normal check-in and his vehicle was not delayed for more than 10 minutes. Police say he was given check list and not apology.

07:37 AM IST

Protest erupt in Kanyakumari

The BJP says the minister was blocked deliberately at the instance of the government. Protest erupt in Kanyakumari. Pon Radhakrishnan is Kanyakumari MP.

07:15 AM IST

Tension takes its toll on pilgrimage

Tension takes its toll on pilgrimage. Hilltop almost empty. 110 pilgrims from Maharashtra returned two days back citing tense situation.fierce standoff between the government and protestors cripple pilgrimage.

07:12 am IST

BJP protests, seek action against police

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is protesting, seeking action against police officials who blocked the minister who came for darshan last evening.