The Hindu : Front Page : Conspiracy to dissolve TDB: Guptan

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Conspiracy to dissolve TDB: Guptan

Special Correspondent

Travancore Devaswom Board president C.K. Guptan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president C.K. Guptan has alleged that a conspiracy is being hatched for dissolving the board.

Mr. Guptan told reporters here on Saturday that those forces which abetted the ‘liberation struggle’ and worked for the ouster of the first Communist government in the State led by E.M.S. Namboodiripad had once again teamed up to set the ground for dissolving the board. Without naming them, he said the forces were in action to see the dissolution of the board. Mr. Guptan said the Communist Party of India (Marxist), partners of the Left Democratic Front, Devaswom Minister G. Sudhakaran and board officials were not party to the conspiracy. Mr. Guptan said he had informed CPI(M) leaders that those forces which prompted the Centre to invoke Article 356 of the Constitution to dismiss the EMS Ministry had once again joined hands to work against the board. “The same forces were at work to ensure the dissolution of the previous board led by G. Raman Nair too. The former board members also played into their hands through their deeds,” he said.

On corruption

He refused to comment on the observations of Mr. Sudhakaran about corruption in the board and said he shared a warm relation lasting four decades with the Minister, whose orders he was bound to follow. The members and the president may have different opinions on certain issues, but they were functioning in unison. Asked about the allegations about the recruitment of priests to temples under the board, he said the allegations could be probed if needed.

The board has started making arrangements for the Mandalam and Makaravilakku festivals in Sabarimala. Well before the start of the festival, aravana will be filled in 20 to 30 lakh cans and would be kept as reserve. In addition, the board will fill 1.25 lakh to 1.50 lakh cans a day during the festival season. Public Works Minister Mons Joseph has offered to complete road works in time. Mr. Sudhakaran will take the lead in coordinating other departments and government agencies for the smooth conduct of the festival, he said.

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