A Malayalam short story writer, S Hareesh, recently ignited a chain of controversies with his feature novel- Meesa (meaning. Moustache) in a Malayalam weekly magazine- Mathrubhoomi. The said novel, in a conversation between two actors, alleges that hindu women goes to temples well dressed are making a declaration that they are ready for sex with the temple priest. He further comments about the lustful history of the temple priests. The dialogue goes on to say that they skip the temple visit for four or five days a month (allegedly during menstrual periods) to make it clear that they are not ready for intercourse. Even the second character seems to be of an approving attitude.

The novel was initially critically received, which I believe would be revolting to all staunch hindu devotees, especially women. Even several people who approach religions from a rational perspective, yet valuing the culture and traditions, have publicly expressed open opposition. Meanwhile several right-wing Hindu organisations have taken stands calling for the boycott of the novel as well as the magazine. Multiple threats were issued to the author and his family from such organisations. Eventually the author has declared withdrawal of the novel owing to personal safety and that of his family.
However, after these calls and threats to the author, the “practical” polical parties, which were initially mute on the issue, came out lashing the right-wing groups and publicly declaring support for the novelist on the grounds of freedom of expression. Many political leaders tried to cash-in on the situation even by offering publication of the feature novel under their publication company. It can be inferred that these outcries have come under the backdrop of the rising sentiments against the right-wing Hindu groups and the feeling that certain political organisations are trying to hyjack Hindu religion. Hence these days, other political parties take stands which is exactly opposing to the stand taken by the right-wing organisations. The same is visible in cases of several other cases of contemporary nature.