KOCHI: The government called an emergency meet following the controversy in the delay in handing over Rs 726 crore to Chottanikkar Bhagavathy by an industrialist. Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran reached the temple and sought an explanation directly from Cochin Devaswaom Board. The minister held talks with industrialist Ganasravan this morning.

Ganasravan met the minister and complained that his wish to renovate the temple is being delayed. The government acted quickly after that. The meet will be convened when Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is in the district today. The industrialist sought permission from the devaswom board to renovate the temple but the authorities paid no heed to it. He later announced another project of Rs 200 crore.

Cochin Devaswom Board Chief Commissioner, Special Commissioner, Secretary and senior government officials will attend the meeting. There were complaints from various quarters on the indifferent attitude of the devaswom board. No one in the country has announced such a huge donation in a century.

Though the Cochin Devaswom Board had a month ago stated that they would seek permission of the devaswom bench of the high court for the project, no action has been taken so far. His plan was to make Chottanikkara, a temple city.

Ganasravan, who has been into gold and diamond business, was in deep crisis a few years ago when his guru advised him to visit Chottanikkara temple. After visiting the temple he started getting good fortunes in business. Since 2016, he has been visiting the temple regularly. His business flourished and extended across the globe. The blessings of Amma brought him good fortune and so he decided to spend part of my earnings for the development of the temple.