‘Board and government will work together to ensure smooth Sabarimala pilgrimage’; Aravana shortage has happened before, says K Jayakumar

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Travancore Devaswom Board and the state government will work together to ensure a smooth Sabarimala pilgrimage season this year, Devaswom Board president K. Jayakumar said. He was speaking to the media after meeting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Jayakumar said there were no differences between the Devaswom Board and the government.

“I met the Chief Minister in person and held detailed discussions on matters related to Sabarimala and the functioning of the Devaswom Board. I did not feel that he had any disagreement with the Board. The Board and the government will work together to ensure a smooth pilgrimage season this year,” Jayakumar said.

He said the Chief Minister was not under the impression that there were differences between the Board and the government.

“He has assured us of full cooperation. We have decided to keep the government informed about the progress of every matter at Sabarimala and move forward without any problems. The Board and the government are not taking positions based on mistrust or as two separate sides,” he said.

Jayakumar admitted that there had been a shortage of Aravana, but said such shortages had occurred in the past as well.

“It is true that there was a shortage of Aravana. It has happened before too. It is not a major issue,” he said.

Jayakumar said he would meet the media on Wednesday to explain the preparations for the upcoming Mandala season.

“This Board will be able to organise the Sabarimala pilgrimage in a systematic manner, different from the way it is usually conducted. There will be people who are disappointed with this. I have nothing to say in response to that,” he said.