Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala on Thursday said he strongly suspected a conspiracy leading to a shift in the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB)’s stand on the issue of women’s entry into the Sabarimala temple when the Supreme Court heard the review and other petitions on its verdict.
Addressing a press conference held here, the Congress leader said it was the responsibility of the government and the board to clarify who decided on this policy shift.
Mr. Chennithala said that TDB president A. Padmakumar had prevaricated on his stance ever since the Supreme Court verdict on Sabarimala issue came out and at one point of time he caved in to the threats of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Board’ s autonomy
The government had also indulged in foul play that had undermined the autonomy of the board.
Mr. Chennithala said Mr. Padmakumar did not have any option before him other than submitting his resignation.
He accused the government and the TDB of trampling the sentiments of Ayyappa devotees.