BJP is ready to go to any extent to protest for the rights of Ayyappa devotees. Beliefs should be respected. Man-woman equality is must, but gender equality cannot be established by giving entry to men and women together. There are several temples that deny men entry.

In this quote, Amit Shah addresses the BJP's (Bharatiya Janata Party) position on protecting the rights of Ayyappa devotees, specifically regarding access to religious places of worship. He emphasizes that beliefs and religious practices should be respected and that any action taken to uphold these rights should be supported. However, he also acknowledges the need for man-woman equality while asserting that achieving gender equality in religious contexts does not necessarily mean that men and women must be allowed to enter places of worship together.

Shah’s statement suggests that while gender equality is important, it should be approached with respect for cultural and religious traditions. He implies that gender equality cannot be imposed in a way that disrupts established religious practices, citing the example of temples that prevent men from entering as part of their religious customs. This highlights his belief that religious and cultural practices must be preserved, even as society strives for gender equality in other spheres.

The mention of the Ayyappa temple issue, where women’s entry has been a point of contention, underlines Shah’s viewpoint that achieving gender equality is a complex issue that cannot be generalized. He makes the case that certain religious places may have rules that do not allow entry for either gender, which he believes should also be respected. His statement reflects a balancing act between promoting equality while respecting religious freedom and beliefs.

Ultimately, Shah's words reflect a nuanced stance on gender equality—one that acknowledges the importance of social justice for men and women while also respecting the freedom of religious expression. His comments reveal the tension between modern calls for equality and traditional religious practices, suggesting that both need to be carefully navigated to maintain balance and respect for cultural values.