UDUPI: As long as the Paryaya festivities of Ashta Mutts of Udupi run smoothly, there is no reason for the government or any other third party to interfere in them, said Udupi District Minister and working president of Sode Mutt Paryaya Reception Committee and Minister Dr V S Acharya.
He told reporters here on Sunday that even when Putthige Mutt pontiff Sugunendra Theertha was all alone in his Paryaya celebrations, the system did not get affected.
Now, except the Putthige seer, all others have been invited. “But, we at the Paryaya Reception Committee want all the Ashta Matadhipathis to sit together and settle the controversy, which has arisen out of not inviting Putthige seer for the festivities. Because this should not be a matter of public debate,” he said, adding: “I have had discussions with Sode Mutt pontiff Vishwavallabha Theertha during his visit to my residence for ‘Paadapooja.’ But, he expressed his helplessness, as the others who have a say in the affairs are against inviting Putthige seer.”
He clarified that the `3 crore developmental package released by the state government in the name of Paryaya package was only used for civic amenities and constructing Bhojana Shaala and not at all released to Srikrishna Temple.