Kottayam: As visuals of vacant seats at the Global Ayyappa Sangamam surfaced on news channels, Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan came with an explanation regarding the number of participants. Addressing the media in Kottayam on Sunday, the minister claimed that a total of 4,126 people, including 182 from foreign countries, attended the programme.

“The main venue had a seating capacity of 4,000. So, hundreds who came for the programme attended the inaugural session by standing. After the ceremony, many of them moved to other auditoriums to join panel discussions. The chairs became vacant when invitees shifted to their respective venues. Only those invited to the main session remained there. Visuals of vacant chairs during the break after the inaugural ceremony are being circulated to spread false news,” said the minister.

Of the 4,126 participants, 2,125 were from other states, including Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. A total of 1,812 Ayyappa devotees also attended the programme in vehicles arranged by various devaswom boards in the state. Some pilgrims who are not registered also reached. Among the 182 participants from foreign nations, 39 were from Sri Lanka.

The minister added that none of the participants raised complaints about the arrangements for the Global Ayyappa Sangamam.

“A Congress leader of the state committee in Karnataka also attended the conference. Even he did not complain about anything. So, the event was completely complaint-free and a huge success,” Vasavan said.

Like CPM state secretary MV Govindan, Vasavan also criticised the media for misleading the public with false news. He pointed out that participation at the Global Ayyappa Sangamam surpassed expectations.

Vasavan said that an 18-member committee was also formed to examine the suggestions that came during the discussions, and also those that were given in writing by the participants.

The panel will examine the suggestions and make a decision which will be communicated to everyone, he said.

The minister said that the development of Sabarimala will pave the way for the overall development of the state.

Vasavan also said that work has started at Sannidhanam, Pamba, Nilakkal, Edathavalangal (resting areas) and Thiruvananthapuram to ensure the upcoming annual pilgrimage season is conducted smoothly.