Former IAS officer K. Jayakumar K. Jayakumar is set to become the new President of the Travancore Devaswom Board. The decision was finalised on Friday night following discussions between Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who is currently abroad.

The party authorised Minister Vasavan to make the final selection after consulting with the Chief Minister. The appointment decision was subsequently confirmed on Friday.

Five names were shortlisted in the final round during a meeting at the CPM State Secretariat, with Jayakumar receiving top preference. While Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan had recommended Satheeshan from Pathanamthitta, the party decided to back the Chief Minister’s choice. The final decision is expected tomorrow, with the official order likely to follow soon.

Speaking on the matter, on Friday, Jayakumar emphasised his prior experience at Sabarimala, saying, “I am familiar with the workings of Sabarimala. If given the opportunity, I will ensure that devotees leave the temple satisfied and content.”

He previously served as Chairman of the Sabarimala High Power Committee and was appointed Special Commissioner of Sabarimala in 2006 during the VS Achuthanandan government. He has also chaired the Sabarimala Master Plan Committee and held various other roles associated with temple administration, making him a natural choice for the Devaswom Board presidency at this critical juncture.