Ban on RSS Sakha, Mass Drill on Temple Premises in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala’s Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has issued a directive to all temples under it not to allow mass drills and other activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on temple premises. TDB manages around 1,200 temples.

The new circular by the TDB warned of strict action against those who fail to comply with the ban.

TBD asked the temples to strictly follow its order. In the past, the TDB initiated measures to stop arms training within temple complexes. In 2016, the TDB issued a circular banning all forms of arms training by the RSS on temple premises.

Travancore Devaswom Board reissued an order on March 30, 2021, stating the temple premises should not be used for any other purpose other than for temple rituals and festivals.

According to the TDB, the RSS activities are part of the temple rituals; so they cannot be permitted on temple premises.