TDB President K Jayakumar Quashes Resignation Rumours, Affirms Intent to Complete Term

Thiruvananthapuram: Amidst swirling speculation regarding his leadership, Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) President K Jayakumar issued a definitive statement on Monday, categorically dismissing reports suggesting he was preparing to step down. Addressing the media in the state capital, the former Chief Secretary affirmed that he remains firmly in his position and intends to see through his tenure, which concludes in November 2027.

The clarification comes as a direct response to recent media reports alleging that a breakdown in communication between the Board and the state government had prompted Jayakumar to consider resigning. These reports gained traction following a series of letters penned by Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan, in which the minister reportedly expressed explicit disagreement with several of the Board’s recent administrative decisions.

Dismissing Claims of a Rift

Rejecting the narrative of an internal crisis, Jayakumar stated that there was no impetus for him to relinquish his responsibilities. “I have not reached any decision to resign. There is no necessity for such a move at this juncture,” he said, emphasizing that his commitment to the office remains unchanged.

Regarding the correspondence from Minister Muraleedharan, Jayakumar sought to downplay the severity of the friction. While he acknowledged that there have been varying perspectives on certain administrative matters, he maintained that such professional disagreements are standard in governance. “There is no fundamental conflict between the Board and the government. These differences of opinion do not impact my approach to work or the way the Board functions,” he added.

Focus Shifts to Sabarimala Pilgrimage

With the administrative speculation addressed, Jayakumar shifted his focus to the TDB’s primary operational priority: the upcoming Sabarimala pilgrimage season. Given the logistical challenges and the massive influx of devotees expected at the hill shrine, the TDB is currently prioritizing infrastructural and cleanliness efforts.

“Our immediate focus is entirely on the upcoming Sabarimala season,” Jayakumar stated. Following his press briefing, the TDB President announced he would be traveling directly to the shrine to oversee preparations, specifically the extensive sanitation and deep-cleaning initiatives being conducted in collaboration with the Clean Kerala Company.

Addressing Security Concerns

During the briefing, the TDB President was also questioned regarding reports concerning the appointment of a government security guard for the Devaswom Minister at the Sabarimala camp office. Jayakumar indicated that he had not been formally briefed on this particular security detail, suggesting that the matter might fall under the purview of the Devaswom Commissioner.

He further clarified that the deployment of security personnel for VIPs, including government officials and Board members, is a standard administrative procedure during visits to the shrine, and he noted that he did not perceive any irregularities in the arrangement.

As the TDB moves forward, Jayakumar’s firm stance serves to stabilize the Board’s leadership during a critical pre-pilgrimage period, effectively silencing the rumors that threatened to overshadow the preparations for the upcoming season.

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