Temples should not be used as political campaign platforms; Devaswom Board with instructions in backdrop of incidents from Kollam Pooram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Travancore Devaswom Board has directed that political campaigns and controversies should not be allowed to take place in connection with festivals and temple ceremonies. The Devaswom Board meeting decided to issue strict instructions to the Devaswom officials and advisory committees in the backdrop of the incident of raising the portrait of RSS founder Hedgewar at the Kudamattam ceremony that was held as part of Kollam Pooram.

This is taking into account the possibility of political disputes and legal action during temple festivals. It was also announced that strict action will be taken against officials who fail to exercise caution.

The investigation report of the Commissioner and the Devaswom Vigilance SP states that there was no lapse on the part of the advisory committee in raising the picture of the RSS founder during the Kudamattam ceremony in Kollam Pooram. However, the board's observation is that more vigilance is needed.

The activities of the advisory committee of the Omalloor Sree Rakthakantaswamy Temple in Pathanamthitta will be temporarily suspended. An ad hoc committee will be formed there. Action will be taken after hearing the committee's explanation. The board issued a show-cause notice to the advisory committee following the vigilance finding that RSS drills were conducted and flags were hoisted in the temple.