THRISSUR: Suresh Gopi MP offering money to chief priests as kaineettam to devotees, who visit the temple, has sparked a controversy. Suresh Gopi had gifted 1,000 one rupee notes to Thrissur Vadakkunnathan Temple. However, the Cochin Devaswom Board has barred priests from accepting such money. No one was given kaineettam from this amount, said the board. Yet, many people said that they have received kaineettam.

The incident is being turned into a political issue. They are playing politics under the guise of Vishu kaineettam, criticized CPI MLA P Balachandran. Temples and festivals are being turned into vote bases. The general public has the ability to recognize this, he said.

In addition to Vadakkunnathan Temple, Suresh Gopi has given money to the chief priests of Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady temples as well. But, these temples do not come under the Cochin Devaswom Board.

The board is of the view that giving kaineettam to temple priests is equal to misusing temples. The board has also released a press release without mentioning Suresh Gopi’s name. The press release only states that the chief priests are barred from receiving money from certain people.

The board issued the ban as Suresh Gopi is likely to give money for kaineettam in other temples besides the Vadakkunnathan Temple. The issue has been taken seriously, said Devaswom Board President V Nandakumar.

Suresh Gopi has been in the district since last Sunday as part of his programme to offer kaineettam to the people. The actor has also appealed to the chief priest not to exempt children while giving kaineettam from his money. He had given new one rupee notes of Rs 1 lakh, bought from the Reserve Bank, to the temples.