Chandy flays Achuthanandan's remark against Royal House head

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today took exception to CPI(M) leader V S Achuthanandan’s remark against the head of the Travancore Royal family, custodian of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple  here, where a huge treasure trove was found recently. “Achuthanandan should have avoided the remark, but I am not a person to advise him,” Chandy told reporters when asked about the statement of the opposition leader that present head of the Royal family Uthradam Thirunal Marthanda Varma had been taking away wealth from the temple. The huge treasure remained under the sole ownership of the family for a long time and it was improper to level charges like this and defame the family, Chandy said. The recovery of wealth points to the honesty of the family which protected it all through, he added. Achuthanandan had said there had been complaints that the present head of the royal house Uthradam Tirunal Marthanda Varma had attempted to remove temple wealth in small quantities while returning after daily worship. Out of six vaults, five were opened under the supervision of a supreme court appointed committee. The court was yet to take a decision on the opening of the remaining sixth vault. Referring to findings of the Deva Prasanam, astrological examination of temple affairs that the ‘B’ vault should not be opened, Chandy said the recent developments was not only a matter of ‘wealth’, but also question of faith. Government view was that people’s faith also should be taken into consideration while dealing with the matter. The Government would inform the Supreme court its opinion when the apex court asks for it, Chandy said. However, Chandy said the court directive in the matter would be final. The treasure was found during an inventory held at the temple as per the directive of supreme court. The court had also appointed a committee to scientifically evaluate the value of the wealth. PTI