Vote Bank Politics Or Real Need? DMK Govt’s Decision To Build A Second Haj House At Chennai’s Prime Nanganallur Locality Raises Eyebrows

The ruling DMK government is facing severe criticism following its recent announcement to establish a Tamil Nadu Haj House in Nanganallur, near Chennai Airport, at a cost of ₹65 crore. Critics have questioned the necessity of building another Haj House when one already exists near Nungambakkam.

This controversy comes against the backdrop of what many see as the DMK ramping up minority appeasement efforts, particularly towards the Muslim community, as election season draws closer. Moves such as the promotion of Urdu have fueled accusations of selective favoritism, with critics pointing out the party’s unfulfilled election manifesto promise of allocating ₹1,000 crores for temple development.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, while laying the foundation stone for multiple projects in Nagapattinam district, announced the Haj House initiative, stating that it would bring joy to the Muslim community.

The announcement of the Haj House continues to spark debate, with opposition voices questioning the DMK’s priorities and its strategic spending ahead of the elections.

Netizens demanded answers from the DMK government over the need for another Haj house when there is already one in operation.

The proposed ₹65 crore Hajj House in Nanganallur has sparked widespread criticism, particularly given the upcoming elections and concerns over misuse of taxpayer money for vote-bank politics. Critics argue that Tamil Nadu already has a government-funded Hajj Committee House in Periyamedu, Chennai, making a new facility unnecessary.

Meanwhile, Hindu temples across the state remain neglected, with poorly maintained facilities, especially temple toilets under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department. Despite this, the DMK government seemingly continues to divert temple revenue while prioritizing a new Hajj House for minority appeasement.

Furthermore, Nanganallur is a predominantly Hindu locality, known for its temples and peaceful atmosphere. The construction of a large Hajj House in this location raises law and order concerns, as well as suspicions about its proximity to the airport, with fears that it could facilitate drug and gold smuggling, an issue that has reportedly worsened under the DMK regime.

Given these factors, many question why the government is spending ₹65 crore on a new Hajj House while failing to provide similar facilities for Hindu pilgrims traveling to Badrinath or Kedarnath. The move is widely seen as an election-driven ploy to secure Muslim votes ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, rather than a genuine necessity.

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