Travancore Devaswom Board trying to defy govt order: K Raghavan

ALAPPUZHA: An  order asking  the TDB to appoint Mr Sudhikumar, a non-Brahmin priest, as ‘Keezhsaanthi’ of Chettikulangara temple with immediate effect was given to the devaswom commissioner by the devaswom secretary on Friday. Mr K.  Raghavan, TDB member,  said that the devaswom was duty-bound to implement the order. He alleged that TDB president Prayar Gopalakrishnan and member Ajay Tharayil were creating  unnecessary controversy to defy the government order.

“The statement of Ajay Tharayil on Saturday that non-Hindus should also be permitted in temples is unwarranted.  Ajay Tharayil and Prayar Gopalakrishnan have failed to transfer employees properly even after six  months.   I urge them to appoint Sudhikumar  at  Chettikulangara temple with immediate effect. Otherwise, I  will launch a protest in this regard,” he said.

Mr Tharayil told DC that the board had not received the government order.   “It’s an administrative issue.  The devaswom commissioner has the right to decide  on the  transfer of an employee.  The board has no role in these matters. My  opinion  is that Sudhikumar should be appointed to Chettikulangara temple,” Mr Tharayil said. Meanwhile, Mr M. Liju, DCC president, Alappuzha, said that the issue would be presented at  the KPCC political affairs committee meeting to be held next week. Mr Liju had earlier sent a letter to  Mr Prayar Gopalakrishnan demanding the appointment of  Mr  Sudhikumar to Chettikulangara temple.