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**Kerala CPI(M) Leader Defends Ayyappa Sangamam Amidst Criticism**

**Kannur, Kerala – September 23, 2025** – Communist Party of India (Marxist) central committee member E.P. Jayarajan has strongly defended the recently concluded Global Ayyappa Sangamam against claims that it was a failure. Speaking to reporters in Kannur on Tuesday, Jayarajan dismissed the criticism as “narrow-minded” and stated that the event successfully served its purpose: to bolster Sabarimala’s standing as a major global pilgrimage destination.

Jayarajan accused the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) of taking a narrow stance and aligning with groups holding rival conferences, even going so far as to suggest that UDF leader V.D. Satheesan’s views were consistent with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He emphasized the Sangamam’s aim of uniting Ayyappa devotees from around the world and ensuring Sabarimala’s development as a key pilgrimage site.

Drawing parallels with the economic benefits derived by Saudi Arabia from Mecca’s pilgrimage traffic, Jayarajan highlighted the potential for Sabarimala’s growth to significantly contribute to Kerala’s economic development. He also dismissed concerns raised about referring to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as an Ayyappa devotee, stating that such criticisms held little weight.

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