Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 14 (NationPress) The Travancore Devaswom Board has firmly dismissed allegations regarding financial misconduct linked to the Global Ayyappa Meet, which took place at Pamba in September of the previous year. This comes after the Kerala High Court recently criticized the Board for financial accountability issues associated with the event.

The Board described the recent media reports as "groundless and deceptive", particularly addressing allegations that public funds were utilized to buy a bed for Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

It was clarified that neither the audit report nor the Special Commissioner's submission to the High Court included any mention of such expenses.

The Rs 3.83 lakh allocated for 'Furniture and Miscellaneous Items for Existing Office Complex and Guest House' was part of routine renovations at the Pamba guest house, which hosts visiting dignitaries, including Union Ministers and judges, as stated by the Board.

The High Court expressed serious concern regarding procedural and accounting irregularities in organizing the meet, ordering an examination of the accounts to be presented to the Special Commissioner.

The Board admitted that some discrepancies were found in the Chartered Accountant's report, attributing this to the necessity of meeting the court's deadline prior to a more thorough verification process.

Regarding the payments for a 'bhajan' performance, the Board clarified that Rs 8 lakh was disbursed to a music group led by Ishan Dev, which included more than 35 artists and technicians.

It denied any payment to 'Nandagovindam Bhajans', explaining that a reference in the audit report stemmed from a documentation error by the event management agency.

The Board outlined the financial structure of the event, noting that Rs 5 crore from the 2025–26 budget was temporarily set aside in a special account to ensure the smooth conduct of the event while awaiting sponsorship funds.

Out of this amount, Rs 3 crore was given as an advance to the Indian Institute of Infrastructure and Construction (IIIC), the designated event management agency.

Sponsorship funds totaling Rs 3 crore from Dhanalakshmi Bank and Kerala Bank have since been returned to the Board’s general fund.

Addressing claims of inflated food bills, the Board asserted that meals were provided to devotees, workers, and guests equitably, often surpassing initial estimates.

The ongoing judicial scrutiny has heightened the debate over the transparency of managing large-scale religious events associated with the internationally recognized Sabarimala pilgrimage.

In an effort to defend the Pinarayi Vijayan administration, CPI(M) state secretary M. V. Govindan stated that the figures being circulated are simply estimates, not actual amounts. Nonetheless, questions are arising regarding the audit report.

The matter has escalated into a significant misstep by the Board and the Devasom Ministry, led by State Minister V.N. Vasavan, who has consistently shifted responsibility to the Board, reiterating that it is an autonomous body.

Veteran Congress leader K. Muraleedharan remarked that the situation has reached a point where only Lord Ayyappa's idol remains at Sabarimala.

He questioned, "If the state government claims the Board conducted the meet, why did the State Protocol officer arrange accommodations in distant locations like Munnar and Kumarakom for invited guests, while the event was held at Pamba? Vasavan must resign due to this misappropriation," Muraleedharan asserted.