Kochi, November 26: Women's rights activist Trupti Desai said on Tuesday morning that she will enter the Sabarimala Temple on Tuesday. The activist reached Kochi Airport early morning on Tuesday and was quoted saying by news agency ANI that she along with her associates will enter the temple no matter what. The activist also said that they have chosen the day as it's Constitution Day today, on Monday, November 26. However there were protests at the airport. Kerala: Devotees Throng Sabarimala Temple As the Lord Ayyapa Shrine Opens for 41-Day Pilgrimage Season; See Pics.

"We'll visit Sabarimala temple today on Constitution Day. Neither state government nor police can stop us from visiting the temple. Whether we get security or not we will visit the temple today," Trupti was quoted saying by news agency ANI. Sabarimala Temple: No Protection to Women Visiting Lord Ayyappa Shrine, Says Devaswom Board a Day Ahead of Temple Opening.

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The activist added that she reached Kochi on Tuesday to proceed to Sabarimala to offer prayers at the Lord Ayyappa shrine. Desai and a few other activists who landed at the Kochi International Airport early Tuesday have been taken to Kochi city police commissionerate.

Desai also said she has come up with the 2018 order of the Supreme Court permitting entry of women of all age groups into the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala. "I will leave Kerala only after offering prayers at the shrine," the activist said. The Pune-based Desai had made an unsuccessful attempt to enter the temple in November last year, weeks after the Supreme Court lifted the ban that prevented women and girls between the age of 10 and 50 from entering the famous shrine.

Ahead of Sabarimala Temple opening on Saturday, November 16, the Devaswom Board issued a statement saying that no protection will be given to any women visiting the shrine and anyone who seeks protection during the visit, should get an order from the Supreme Court. Kerala Devaswom Board Minister K Surendran was quoted by ANI saying that the no woman, who attempt to enter the Lord Ayyappa shrine, will be provided protection. He said the temple is not a place for activism as the Kerala Government will not entertain publicity mongers. (With PTI Inputs)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 26, 2019 08:56 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).