Koodalmanikyam temple row: Balu did not resume work, requests leave for 15 more days

THRISSUR: V A Balu of Aryanad in Thiruvananthapuram, who faced caste discrimination at the Koodalmanikya temple in Irinjalakuda, did not resume to work. Balu has written a letter to the Devaswom Administrator of Koodalmanikyam temple, seeking leave extension. He has requested leave for 15 more days. The letter has cited physical difficulties in travelling.

Balu requested leave along with a medical certificate. The devaswom authorities informed that a decision would be taken after the management committee convenes a meet. Balu’s leave ended yesterday. He requested leave when he was about to resume work today. Balu appointed as Kazhakam staff was shifted to office work following complaints from tantris. He had to resume duty in this post.

Koodalmanikyam Devaswom Chairman C K Gopi had earlier clarified that Balu would be asked to explain the reason for changing the post. The devaswom minister had also clarified that the government's stance is that Balu appointed as a staff of Kazhakam should work in that post itself. A meeting will be convened this week under the leadership of the devaswom administrative committee to take a decision on the issue. It is alleged that Balu was removed from the post as he belongs to the Ezhava community.