‘Gold given by Vijay Mallya was completely covered; everything was done properly in 1998’; reveals former Keezhsanthi

ALAPPUZHA: The then Keezhsanthi Sreenivasan Potty said the gold given by UB Group Chairman Vijay Mallya in 1998 was completely covered in the sreekovil of Sabarimala. He told media that the gold was covered in a proper manner at the Sannidhanam under the supervision of officials. Sreenivasan Potty also said that the Devaswom Board should have been more careful in choosing Unnikrishnan Potty as the sponsor.

'In 1998, the door and its frames were completely covered in gold. The gold was covered in a proper manner at the Sannidhanam under the supervision of officials. Everything until then was done in a proper manner. I felt very sad hearing all the present controversies. Sabarimala is the Devaswom Board's cash box. The board runs its administration by opening it. The income from Sabarimala should not drop under any circumstances. The Ayyappa devotees are a bit concerned over all the issues. Good revenue should get next time also,’ said Sreenivasan Potty.

Meantime, Tantri Kandaru Rajeevaru responded that former administrative officer B Murari Babu's statement regarding the gold plating of the Dwarapalaka idols in Sabarimala is false. He said that he had not given permission to take the Dwarpalaka idols to Chennai for gold plating. He clarified that the colour of some parts of the idols had faded and permission to repair them was requested and had replied to a written request.