'IAS officers should helm affairs in Devaswom, Padmakumar a troublemaker', says SNDP chief Vellappally Natesan

CHERTHALA: SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan said that theft is rampant not only in the Travancore Devaswom Board temples but also in all temples that have wealth. Vellapally suggested that the Devaswom Board be cleansed and the authority be given to an IAS officer. Vellappally also said that a politician should be included in the committee and the minister should be given full control.

He demanded that the temples be brought under one or two Devaswom Boards. Vellappally was talking to media at his residence in Kanichukulangara.

Vellappally Natesan:

“Even the Sabarimala shrine is tainted in corruption. I had once raised concerns about former Devaswom Board President A Padmakumar, as I knew he was a troublemaker. The corruption came to light because of the blessings of Ayyappan. The Devaswom Board has degenerated into a place for failed politicians.

My earlier comments were not raised against the Brahmin community, and if they felt offended, I express my sincere apologies. The verdict given to the NSS regarding reservation for differently-abled people in teacher appointments should be applied to everyone. Justice should have been given to everyone based on the verdict. Most schools in Kerala are run by Christian managements. When the bishops intervened, the government acquiesced.”