Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 13 (NationPress) The President of Congress' Kerala unit, Sunny Joseph, has called for a High Court-supervised investigation into the alleged rampant corruption surrounding the Global Ayyappa Meet. He accused the CPI-M-led government of exploiting the Sabarimala administrative framework for 'theft and exploitation'.

Joseph highlighted that significant irregularities, as revealed in the Special Commissioner’s report, have emerged regarding the Ayyappa Meet's organization.

He alleged that the CPI-M misappropriated funds from the Devaswom Board via a subsidiary of the Uralungal Cooperative Society.

“There is no proper accounting, including in the awarding of sub-contracts. Claims about sponsorship are also deceptive. The Devaswom Department and Board need to clarify who the actual sponsors are,” he stated, asserting that only 'figures written in air' had been provided as financial accounts.

He further claimed that expenditures on cultural events surpassed the approved estimates.

Joseph also accused the CPI-M of having a 'hidden agenda' aimed at undermining Sabarimala.

He pointed out that the affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court concerning this controversy, which he described as a breach of temple traditions, has yet to be retracted.

“Those who pilfered the deity’s gold received ample support without any remorse. This government lacks the integrity to retrieve the gold stolen from Sabarimala, instead creating avenues for the accused to obtain bail,” he charged.

Focusing on Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan, Joseph claimed that his stance in the Assembly was akin to protecting those who 'embezzled funds during the Ayyappa Meet'.

He reiterated that a probe overseen by the Kerala High Court is essential for ensuring transparency and restoring public trust.

A report presented to the High Court by the Special Commissioner of the Travancore Devasom Board has noted serious lapses in organizing the Global Ayyappa Meet last year.

The report indicated that the event was held in defiance of court directives and lacked financial transparency, as proper accounts and supporting bills were reportedly not maintained.

Contracts, including those for pandal construction and related tasks, were awarded without a tendering process, it stated.

This work was allegedly handed over to an event management firm, a subsidiary of Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society, at an additional cost of 10%.

Additionally, the report flagged the absence of GST bills and other necessary documents in the financial records, warning that this could lead to substantial financial losses for the Devaswom Board.