Chief Minister Devaswom president differ over VIP visits to Sabarimala

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarai Vijayan and Travancore Devaswom president Prayar Gopalakrishnan have differed over VIP visits to Sabarimala at a review meeting held on Thursday.

Mr. Vijayan wanted the Devaswom Board to disallow VIP visits and introduce a paid system similar to that at Tirupati. Mr. Vijayan also wanted the Sabarimala temple to open on all days.

Mr. Gopalakrishnan maintained that preferred treatment for VIPs could not be done away with.

The Chief Minister said that building of an airport near Sabarimala should be considered. Action would also be taken to end exploitation of pilgrims by hotels.

BJP leader Kummanam Rajasekharan told the media  herethat the differences between the government and devaswom would hit the interests of pilgrims and the temple. The Chief Minister was not concerned about the difficulties faced by the pilgrims at Sabarimala.

(This report has been corrected regarding the statement of the Chief Minister regarding airport at Sabarimala).