The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) recently criticized Kerala's ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) for what it termed a "U-turn" regarding the Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple women entry issue. Despite the criticism of their alleged change in position, the BJP simultaneously stated it was "happy" with the current stand adopted by both fronts, indicating alignment with its own long-held perspective on the matter.

The controversy centers on the age-old tradition at the Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple in Kerala, which historically restricted the entry of women aged between 10 and 50 years, citing the celibate nature of the deity. This tradition was challenged, leading to a landmark Supreme Court verdict on September 28, 2018, that allowed women of all ages to enter the temple. The verdict sparked widespread protests across Kerala from various devotee groups and certain political organizations, who argued that it infringed upon religious customs and beliefs.

Following the 2018 Supreme Court ruling, the then LDF government in Kerala had expressed its commitment to implementing the judgment. The UDF, while initially taking a nuanced stance, also faced pressure on the issue. However, the political landscape surrounding Sabarimala has since evolved, particularly with numerous review petitions filed against the 2018 verdict and the Supreme Court referring the matter to a larger bench in November 2019. The larger bench is yet to deliver a final ruling, leaving the legal position in a state of flux and the traditional restrictions de facto continuing.

The BJP's recent statements specifically targeted the LDF and UDF for what it perceived as a shift from their earlier positions. The party alleged that both fronts had, at different points, either supported the entry of women of all ages or the implementation of the Supreme Court verdict, but have now adjusted their public stance. This perceived change in position, often referred to as a "U-turn," was highlighted by BJP spokespersons as a display of political opportunism.

Despite this criticism, the BJP conveyed satisfaction with the LDF and UDF's current stance on the Sabarimala issue. This indicates that the revised positions of the LDF and UDF are now more aligned with the BJP's own consistent advocacy for the preservation of temple traditions and customs at Sabarimala, which opposes the entry of women of all ages. The BJP has historically supported the rights of devotees to uphold traditional practices and has been critical of any moves to alter these customs.

The Sabarimala issue remains a significant point of discussion in Kerala's political and social discourse. The ongoing legal review by the Supreme Court's larger bench means that the definitive legal resolution of the women entry issue is still pending. Until a final judicial pronouncement, political parties continue to navigate the complex interplay of religious sentiment, judicial mandates, and electoral considerations.