Thiruvananthapuram: Travancore Devaswom Board plea irrelevant, says Government

Thiruvananthapuram: CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran on Friday contradicted Travancore Devaswom Board president A. Padmakumar saying the previous petition seeking more time was no longer relevant.

Kodiyeri said the petition was given by board during the mandala-makaravilakku season. “While giving the petition, the board had clearly stated that it will comply with the Supeme Court verdict. TDB had pointed out that they had certain practical difficulties in implementing the verdict this season. Since large number of women were expected to visit the temple, the board needs time to make arrangements. It was for Mandala season. The season is over, hence there’s no relevance for the petition now,” he added.

Kadakampally who echoed similar views said there were no differences with the TDB president . “He will continue in the position without any hurdles. There are no circumstances which warrant his removal,” he added.

Meanwhile, Padmakumar made it clear that there was no question of resigning before the completion of his two year term.

At a function here, the board president said he would complete his tenure which ends on November 14, 2019. “I am here today. I will be here tomorrow and till end of my term,” he said.

He said the board members might have divergent views but when it came to taking decisions all were united. Interestingly, he made the statement in the presence of Devaswom Recruitment Board chairman Rajagopalan Nair and Devaswom Commissioner N Vasu.

Padmakumar said he had not sought any explanation from Devaswom Commissioner. "All I said was let me get the report. This was misquoted,” he added.

In Pathanamthitta, Sabarimala Executive Officer Sudheesh Kumar said trouble is anticipated at the hill shrine during Kumbha masa puja. The temple will open for Pooja (Kumbham) on February 12 and close on Feb. 17.