Thiruvananthapuram, 17 May (H.S.):

Shivagiri Mutt has formally placed its expectations before Chief Minister-designate V.D. Satheesan, seeking greater representation for leaders associated with the Shivagiri and Sree Narayana movement in the new Kerala cabinet.

Speaking to the media after meeting Satheesan, Shivagiri Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust Secretary Swami Sachidananda said the mutt had conveyed its aspirations and demands directly to the incoming Chief Minister. He pointed out that nine individuals associated with Shivagiri Mutt and Sree Narayana movement-related organisations have been elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly this time.

Swami Sachidananda said the mutt had requested that at least three or four among them, based on merit and suitability, be included in the new ministry. According to him, the mutt had initially sought ministerial positions for six leaders but now expects a minimum of three to four representatives to find a place in the cabinet.

He further said Shivagiri had specifically urged that key portfolios such as the Backward Welfare Department and the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Welfare Department be entrusted to individuals linked to the movement.

Apart from cabinet representation, the mutt also raised concerns over the functioning and appointment of personal staff attached to ministers. Swami Sachidananda stressed the need for clear and transparent guidelines governing appointments and oversight of ministerial personal staff.

Expressing optimism about the discussions, he said the mutt remains hopeful that the concerns and aspirations raised during the meeting would receive a positive response from the incoming administration.

“We believe the Chief Minister will consider and implement these demands,” Swami Sachidananda said, expressing confidence that the new government would give due importance to the concerns of the Shivagiri movement.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman