PATHANAMTHITTA: If needed, the Sabarimala tantri can be removed, said Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran. The tantri was appointed by the devaswom board. Further steps will be taken after getting an explanation from him. The RSS has made him a weapon, the minister alleged. The devaswom board decided to seek an explanation from the tantri for performing the purification rituals closing the sanctum sanctorum after two women entered the holy shrine. Board president A Padma Kumar had asked him to give the explanation within 15 days.

Kadakampally said it was not right to disrupt and attack foreigners during hartal. Foreign countries have warned tourists on visiting India specially Kerala. It is unfortunate the attacks witnessed recently in the name of a temple is drawing international attention. No one has the right to prevent anyone’s travel. Tourism will be badly affected due to these attacks.
Performing purification rituals is like violating the verdict of the apex court. The chief minister had never mentioned to remove the tantri and only the board has the right of it. An explanation has been sought from him. It is the decision of the board to remove him. A decision will be taken on the basis of the explanation of the tantri. Karma Samithi is the other name for RSS. They are using the tantri for political gains, he said. The RSS is trying to create martyrs and execute 356 in the state. They unleashed violence at the house of a woman in the name of a Facebook post and for partaking in the women wall, he said.