Thiruvananthapuram: Sabarimala Tantri Kandaru Mahesh Mohanaru stated that there is no issues with the devaswom board regarding the entry of devotees in the temple. Tantri told this to media after discussions with Devaswom minister and board president.

"The devaswom board decided to allow devotees enter the temple and conduct the festival last month after I too requested them. A letter was forwarded to the board regarding this matter. But the condition now is different from that of last month and the decision was revised," the tantri said.

COVID cases in the state and neighbouring states are increasing. If anyone is diagnosed with the disease after the festival begins, it will affect the rituals as all will have to be quarantined. Postponing the festival is a better option than that. The campaigns that there are issues between tantri and devaswom board are wrong, he added.

Mahesh Mohanaru made it clear that he misunderstood the central government's direction as all temples should compulsorily be opened. He said he realised later that the temple authorities can decide if they should be opened or not.

He also rejected the allegations of taking the decision due to pressure from political parties. "I have no special connection with any political party. I am a person who sees a human being as human being," the tantri stated.