Guruvayur Devaswom post speculation swirls as A.V. Gopinathan meets CM

Former Congress leader and MLA A.V. Gopinathan is likely to be considered for the post of chairperson of the Guruvayur Devaswom. His name is among those shortlisted for the position.

The CPI(M) is reportedly keen to reward Mr. Gopinathan with a post in return for the support he extended to the party in wresting control of the Peringottukurissi panchayat, a local body that had been under Congress rule for six decades.

Mr. Gopinathan met Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan here on Tuesday for discussions. P.P. Sumod, MLA, accompanied him.

“It was a courtesy call on the Chief Minister. We spent about 15 minutes chatting and laughing. There was no political discussion. I requested the Chief Minister to expedite the proposed Nhavalikkadavu bridge across the Bharathapuzha, which will connect Peringottukurissi and Lakkidi panchayats,” Mr. Gopinathan said.

He said the Guruvayur Devaswom appointment did not figure in the discussions. “I have never asked for it. If the government gives me an opportunity to serve Guruvayurappan, of whom I am a devotee, I will gladly accept it,” Mr. Gopinathan said.

The term of V.K. Vijayan, the present chairperson of the Guruvayur Devaswom, will end on March 15. The government is expected to announce his successor before the Assembly election schedule is declared.

Mr. Gopinathan’s meeting with the Chief Minister also carried political significance, as he had earlier voiced dissatisfaction with the CPI(M) over his defeat in the recent local body elections in Peringottukurissi.

Though the CPI(M) wrested control of the panchayat with the backing of Mr. Gopinathan’s group, his defeat surprised political observers. He had blamed the CPI(M) for his loss.

A delegation of CPI(M) leaders, led by former Minister A. K. Balan, visited his residence a few days ago in what was seen as an attempt to pacify him. The reported offer of the Guruvayur Devaswom chairmanship is believed to be part of that effort.

After meeting the Chief Minister, Mr. Gopinathan said he harboured no resentment. “I have no complaints against anyone. I will continue to support the Left Democratic Front,” he said.