Representative image for rituals held in temple.
Credit: iStock Photo
Thiruvananthapuram: A youth from the Hindu-Ezhava community who allegedly faced caste-based discrimination after being appointmented to the 'Kazhakam' (garland making and associated works) post of Sree Koodalmanikyam Temple at Irinjalakuda in Kerala has tendered his resignation.
Even as Thiruvananthapuram native B A Balu cited personal issues as the reason for tendering resignation, the row over the alleged discrimination from the temple 'tantris' is believed to be the reason.
Sources pointed out that as per the Kerala Devaseom Recruitment Board's (KDRB) rank list, the next eligible candidate for the post is also from the Ezhava community.
After Balu joined as 'Kazhakam' on February 24, members of the six 'tantri' families associated with the temple kept away from performing poojas at the temple citing that only members of upper caste communities like Varrier should be appointed as 'Kazhakam'.
So far members from the upper caste communities like Varrier were being appointed by the temple authorities as 'Kazhakam'. All such appointments in temples under the Devaswom boards are now being taken over by the KDRB which was formed in 2015.
Succumbing to the pressure from the 'tantris', the Koodalmanikyam Devaswaom authorities temporarily posted Balu for office work and posted another worker from an upper caste community as the 'Kazhakam'.
However, as the matter became controversial, the Devaswom authorities maintained that the employee from the OBC community would be posted back as 'Kazhakam' and disciplinary action would be taken against the 'tantris' who kept away from performing poojas. But Balu, who was on leave till March 31, tendered his resignation on Tuesday (April1).
State Devaswom Minister V N Vasan had earlier said in the assembly that no discrimination would be allowed. But so far no action has been taken.
The Devaswom board member K G Ajaykumar told DH that since Balu tendered his resignation citing personal reasons, no further action on the alleged discrimination could be taken.