Thiruvananthapuram: Newly appointed Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president K Jayakumar said intermediaries will be kept away from Sabarimala and that devotees’ concerns will be addressed with priority.

“We will drive out the unscrupulous people and resolve the grievances of devotees,” Jayakumar said, adding that his appointment as TDB president was a divine call.

The former Chief Secretary and ex-Vice Chancellor of Malayalam University said he would work towards making the board’s functioning more professional. “I see every crisis as an opportunity. Efforts will be made to ensure a smooth pilgrimage for devotees,” he added.

Jayakumar said he would assume charge as soon as the government issues the order. “The Sabarimala season will be the top priority. Controversies are not our focus. I will uphold the government’s trust,” he told Manorama News.