Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister (HR&CE) PK Sekarbabu on Wednesday vowed to thwart any attempt to politicise spirituality in Tamil Nadu. He urged devotees to offer prayers at temples and seek blessings from deities, but warned against involving deities in election campaigns or soliciting votes in their names.“The conspiracy to politicise spirituality in Tamil Nadu, which has the highest number of temples in the country, will be dismantled,” the minister said. The remarks, seen as a subtle criticism of the BJP and its leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, were made during a divisional debate. BJP floor leader Nainal Nagendran took issue with the remarks, while convener M Appav pointed out that no specific names were mentioned.
Minister Sekarbabu also announced a comprehensive development plan to enhance facilities at temples. The HR&CE department will allocate Rs 1,771 crore for improving the overall basic facilities of six temples, including the Arulmigu Thalapathira Swami Madarayam Temple in Chennai and the Arulmigu Subramaniya Swami Temple at Kandal in the Nilgiris.
Moreover, the day-long Annadanam scheme, which is currently being implemented in 11 temples, will be extended to Arulmigu Kalalagar Temple in Madurai and Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Coimbatore. Students studying in schools and colleges managed by the Palani Murugan Temple will now be provided with midday meals in addition to the breakfast provided to them earlier.
A budget of Rs 500 crore has been allocated for renovation of 115 city temples. Besides, the department will construct three gold chariots at a cost of Rs 90 crore and three silver chariots at a cost of Rs 115 crore.
