The Travancore Devaswom Board has refuted claims of financial irregularities during the Global Ayyappa Meet at Pamba last September. Recent reports alleging mismanagement were dismissed by the Board as baseless and misleading. The Board clarified that no public funds were used to buy a bed for Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, as suggested in the media.
The Board explained that an allocation of Rs 3.83 lakh for furniture and miscellaneous items was part of routine renovation work at the Pamba guest house. The Kerala High Court had raised concerns about financial accountability related to the event, prompting a review of the accounts. The Board acknowledged discrepancies in the Chartered Accountant’s report, attributing them to time constraints for court submission.
Regarding payments for a ‘bhajan’ performance, the Board confirmed paying Rs 8 lakh to a music troupe led by Ishan Dev. It clarified that no payment was made to ‘Nandagovindam Bhajans’, citing an error in the audit report documentation. The Board disclosed the financial structure of the event, including temporary placement of Rs 5 crore from the budget to ensure smooth operations.
Dismissing claims of inflated food bills, the Board stated that meals were provided to devotees, workers, and guests without bias, often surpassing initial estimates. The ongoing judicial review has sparked discussions on transparency in managing religious events linked to the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Political figures have weighed in on the issue, with debates intensifying over the handling of the Ayyappa Meet.
