Pejawar seer denies poisoning of Shiroor seer from Ashta Mutts
“Alcohol addiction, squabble of women might be a reason for his death”
Udupi, July 20: “I don’t know whether the poisoning has killed Lakshmivara Tirtha Swamiji of Shiroor Mutt or food poisoning. His fellows might have given it. Alcohol addiction and squabble between two women might also be the reason. Or he might have consumed food prepared in the utensils which were not tinned”, said Vishvesha Tirtha Swamiji of Pejawar Mutt.
Following various allegations and disputes against the Ashta Mutts in the wake of Shiroor seer’s sudden death, the Pejawar seer on Friday gave clarifications.
There was no chance of poisoning from the Ashta Mutts. There were different versions and allegations related to the swamiji’s death. A proper investigation should be conducted to know the truth, he said.
Till now, Shiroor seer had relationship with a woman. But recently, he had relationship with another woman. Both the women might have clashed each other for the swamiji. Moreover, the swamiji was addicted to alcohol. This might have caused him problem. His brother told him that the swamiji had consumed food prepared in the utensils which were not tinned, Pejawar seer said.
Cooperation for investigation
When asked whether he would demand high level probe into the death of Shiroor seer, Pejawar seer said that the police could investigate freely. They could also interrogate him. He has no problem. But the police should investigate the issue without any prejudice. “I have the confidence that no swamiji of Ashta Mutts have any role in this incident. There is no doubt in it. If there is suspicion, let them investigate it and interrogate me too. It was not a murder. I have no doubt about it”, the swamiji said.
He was pained because of Shiroor seer’s death. He condoled his death yesterday itself. But the media have twisted his statements or telecast as they want. As there were pre-scheduled programmes in Hubli and Sirsi, he had been to there. So, he was unable to attend the last rites of the swamiji. He has confirmed this before the media. But his statements were not reported properly, he expressed his dissatisfaction.
He has love and affection
“Right from the beginning, I have love and affection about Shiroor seer. During my Paryaya period, I had never allowed him to offer pooja to the Lord Krishna. Because of this, he disliked me. I have told him that I had respect on him, but did not allow him to offer pooja to Lord Srikrishna. I had been to offer pooja during his Paryaya in 2010-12. But during my period, I did not allow him to offer pooja”, he said.
Recently, he had admitted to have children. As agreed in Sringeri Mutt, those who have children would lose eligibility to become swamijis. As it was against the Sanyasa, he did not allow him to offer pooja, he said.
Some good qualities
Shiroor seer has some good qualities too. He was treating all people irrespective of castes and religions equally. He was popular because of this reason. He was participating in various activities. He had interest in various art and cultural activities. Being an artiste, he was supporting the others. He was encouraging the students. He had completed the last two Paryayas. But he had addiction to alcohol. Much against to the Sanyasa, he had relationship with women. Even he had some rowdy qualities. He had admitted before him about those issues several times. But he did not mend his mistakes, Pejawar seer said.
Opposition from swamijis
“I have not instructed against giving Presiding Deity of the Shiroor Mutt. Interestingly, I was not present in the meeting where such a decision was taken. Other swamijis of the Ashta Mutts have taken the decision. His statement that ‘Ashta Mutts swamijis have children’ has hurt the swamijis. Rest of the swamijis were of the opinion that when Shiroor Swamiji himself admitted to have children, it was not possible to accept him as the swamiji. They were demanding him to accept his disciple (Shishya) to return the Presiding Deity”, he said.
There was allegation on me
“Swamijis could not poison anybody. Earlier, several swamijis had faced such allegations. It was common. Allegation was made against me also. Someone has alleged that I had relationship with women when I was young and I have children. He also threatened me to distribute 10,000 pamphlets against me. But such allegations would not become true. I have advised Shiroor Seer several times to give up bad habits. We have said it in open that Shiroor seer who is not following the Sannyasa Dharma was not the seer of Ashta Mutts. So, other seers of the Ashta Mutts did not go to have his darshan on Thursday. Paryaya Palimaru Seer has participated near Kanaka tower. Three swamijis have gone to Shiroor Moola Mutt later”, he said.
Written Constitution
When asked about having written constitution for the Sri Krishna Mutt, the Pejawar seer said that his earlier disciple Vishwa Vijetha had prepared a draft of the constitution. All Ashta Mutts seers had met and discussed it. But there was no consensus on the draft. As there was a difference, there was no progress in that issue, he said.
Appeal to seers
Pejawar seer said that he would appeal Vishwa Vijetha Swamiji, Kemaru Swamiji and Santosh Guruji against giving any controversial statements about the death of Shiroor seer.
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BJP central leadership backs Kerala chief Surendran amid Palakkad bypoll loss
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): The national leadership of the BJP on Monday threw its weight behind the Kerala state unit and its chief K Surendran despite a major vote loss in the Palakkad Assembly bypoll, asserting that the party had put up a "good fight" in the recently concluded election.
Rejecting reports that Surendran had expressed a willingness to quit taking moral responsibility for the defeat in Palakkad, considered one of its strongholds in Kerala, the BJP accused the CPI(M)-led LDF and the Congress-led UDF of "spreading rumours."
"Nobody is resigning neither party has sought anybody's resignation. I think this will settle the matter," senior BJP leader and party's in-charge Kerala, Prakash Javadekar, said in a post on 'X'.
Youth Congress state president Rahul Mamkootathil won the Palakkad seat with a margin of over 18,000 votes, even making inroads into BJP stronghold areas, delivering a shock to the saffron party, which had been hoping to win the seat after finishing second in the past few elections.
Adding to the BJP's woes, the Left improved its performance in the seat, narrowing the gap with the party.
"BJP has given a good fight in recently concluded by-elections in Kerala and got a massive mandate in Maharashtra. We will win Palakkad and many more assembly seats in 2026. We are here to make a difference in Kerala politics. People are looking up to BJP," Javadekar said.
The senior leader claimed that more than 15,00,000 voters have become voluntarily members of the BJP, by giving missed call and full information.
"Our membership drive will continue vigorously," Javadekar said.
His statement came amidst reports that the defeat had triggered widespread dissent within the Kerala BJP against Surendran.
Surendran's critics within the party allege that he unilaterally decided to field C Krishnakumar, his preferred candidate, for the Palakkad seat.
Before the candidate's announcement, some senior leaders had publicly advocated for the firebrand party leader Sobha Surendran.
In protest against Krishnakumar's candidature, BJP's popular television face Sandeep G Varier resigned and joined the Congress just ahead of the by-poll, delivering a significant blow to the saffron camp.
In the by-poll, BJP's Krishnakumar secured 39,549 votes (28.63 per cent), while Congress candidate Mamkootathil won with 58,389 votes (42.27 per cent). CPI(M)-backed P Sarin garnered 37,293 votes (27 per cent).
Surendran sought to downplay the setback, stating it is common for the BJP to see reduced votes in Kerala by-elections.
He claimed that many votes for the BJP candidate "Metro Man" E Sreedharan during the 2021 Assembly polls were apolitical, with cross-party support. However, he admitted, "In Palakkad, there was a decrease in the number of votes. We will introspect on it."
