Swami Sathchidananda, the incumbent president of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sanghom Trust at Sivagiri Madhom, suffered defeat in the elections to the trust’s governing body for the 2026-31 term.

However, the existing panel led by him secured a majority in the election, giving the outgoing administration an advantage in determining the trust’s future leadership.

The elections for the 11-member governing board was held, with retired District Judge K. Viswanathan Nair as the returning officer. As many as 55 of the 56 members eligible to vote participated in the process.

Swami Sathchidananda received only 17 votes. Nonetheless, six members of the existing governing body were re-elected. Those re-elected include the incumbent general secretary Swami Shubhangananda (29 votes), Swami Rithambarananda (24), Swami Yogananda Theerthar (24), Swami Anapekshananda (26), Swami Dharmachaithanya (26), and Swami Nithyaswaroopananda (26).

Swami Ambikananda (31), Swami Guruprakasam (28), Swami Vishuddhananda (28), Swami Sharadananda (26) and Swami Sandranandapuri (24) are the other elected members.

The newly elected board will decide who succeeds Swami Sathchidananda as the president of the trust, along with the other office-bearers.