Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala on Thursday alleged large-scale corruption linked to the Global Ayyappa Sangam held last year and sought a thorough probe into the matter. Speaking to mediapersons in Kottayam, Chennithala claimed that nearly Rs 7 crore was spent on the event. He termed it 'wasteful expenditure' and said the corruption must be exposed.
“If that is not done, we will pursue the matter through legal means. Legal proceedings must be initiated against those responsible, including the former president of the Devaswom Board,” he said. He further alleged that the event became a platform for large-scale financial irregularities and misappropriation, and called for a detailed and comprehensive investigation.
The Congress leader also questioned who authorised the alleged squandering of government or Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) funds for organising the event. His comments came a day after the Kerala High Court pointed out several issues and 'serious inconsistencies' in the audit report related to the Global Ayyappa Sangam. The court has demanded explanations and clarifications from the TDB and the Kerala State Audit Department over these inconsistencies.
The senior Congress leader also claimed that the High Court had acknowledged corruption in several matters related to Sabarimala. He referred to its order seeking an investigation into financial transactions involving casual labourers and permanent staff during the Mandala-Makaravilakku season.
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