TDB chief K Jayakumar dismisses resignation reports, says he will stay until 2027

Thiruvananthapuram: Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president K Jayakumar has ruled out any possibility of his resignation, saying there is no reason for him to step down and that he will complete his term in November 2027.

Responding to reports that he was planning to resign, Jayakumar said there was no such decision or intention.

“I have not decided to resign. There is no need for it now. My term is until November 2027 and I will complete my term and leave,” he said.

His remarks came amid reports that he had expressed willingness to resign following repeated communications from Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan to the Board over differences regarding its decisions.
Also read | Sadya or pulao? TDB chief, Devaswom Minister clash over Sabarimala Onam feast

‘No crisis in Devaswom Board’

Jayakumar, a former chief secretary of Kerala, said there was no fundamental disagreement between the Board and the state government.

“There is no fundamental difference of opinion with the government. There is no crisis in the Devaswom Board that warrants me leaving,” he said.

He added that differences of opinion on certain issues were normal and had not affected the functioning of the Board.

Sabarimala pilgrimage preparations underway

Jayakumar said the Board’s immediate priority was preparations for the upcoming Sabarimala pilgrimage season.

“Right now, the biggest task before us is the Sabarimala pilgrimage,” he said.

He added that he would head to Sabarimala to begin deep-cleaning work in coordination with Clean Kerala Company.
Also read | Former Chittur MLA and Senior Congress leader K Achuthan passes away aged 76

On government guard for minister

Asked about reports that a government guard had been appointed for the Devaswom Minister at the Sabarimala camp office, Jayakumar said he had not been informed about the appointment.

“I have not been informed about it. The Commissioner (Devaswom) may be aware of it. I do not see any major irregularity in it,” he said.

Jayakumar said security personnel are generally assigned to VIPs visiting Sabarimala. Members of the TDB also have security personnel when they visit the hill shrine, he added.