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“DU Not Just A University But A Movement”: PM Modi At Centenary Celebrations Of DU

By
The Commune
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The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, delivered a speech at the Valedictory Ceremony of Centenary Celebrations of the University of Delhi. The event took place at the Multipurpose Hall of Delhi University Sports Complex. He also inaugurated the construction of the Faculty of Technology, Computer Centre, and Academic Block in the North Campus of the University. During the ceremony, the Prime Minister launched various commemorative publications, including a compilation of the centenary celebrations, a book featuring the logo of Delhi University and its colleges, and a publication called “Aura – 100 Years of University of Delhi.”

To reach the University of Delhi, the Prime Minister traveled by metro and interacted with students during the journey. Upon arrival, he visited the exhibition called “Journey of 100 Years” and witnessed performances by the Faculty of Music and Fine Arts, including the Saraswati Vandana and University Kulgeet.

In his address, the Prime Minister expressed his strong commitment to participating in the Valedictory Ceremony and described it as a homecoming. He mentioned that a short movie shown before his speech showcased the accomplishments of notable individuals associated with Delhi University. The Prime Minister expressed his joy at being present at the university during the centenary celebrations and highlighted the significance of the company of colleagues during such visits. He also expressed happiness about traveling by metro to reach the event.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that the centenary celebrations of Delhi University coincided with India’s Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, marking 75 years of independence. He stated that universities and educational institutions reflect a nation’s achievements. He referred to the historic landmarks in the 100-year journey of Delhi University, emphasizing that it has not only been a university but also a movement that has filled every moment with life. He congratulated students, teachers, and everyone associated with Delhi University on the occasion.

Regarding the alumni gathering, the Prime Minister emphasized the significance of the occasion as an opportunity to reconnect. He stated that if Delhi University has kept its emotions alive during these hundred years, it has also kept its values vibrant. Stressing the importance of knowledge, he highlighted the prosperity India enjoyed during the era of renowned universities like Nalanda and Takshila. He mentioned the adverse impact of attacks during the period of slavery, which destroyed these institutions and obstructed India’s intellectual progress.

The Prime Minister credited universities, including Delhi University, for playing a crucial role in shaping post-independence India by fostering a generation of talented youngsters. He emphasized the understanding of the past as instrumental in shaping the country’s ideals and vision for the future.

He stated that when an individual or institution is dedicated to the country, their achievements are equated with the nation’s accomplishments. The Prime Minister pointed out the remarkable growth of Delhi University, which initially had only three colleges and now has over 90. He highlighted India’s transformation from a fragile economy to one of the top five economies globally. He also mentioned the improved gender ratio at Delhi University and underlined the interconnectedness between the resolutions of an educational institution and a nation, emphasizing that deeper roots lead to greater progress.

The Prime Minister noted that Delhi University’s goal at its inception was India’s independence, but as it approaches its 125th year alongside India’s 100th year of independence, the university’s goal should be to make India a developed nation. He stated that the third decade of the 21st century would provide impetus to India’s development journey, highlighting the establishment of numerous universities, colleges, IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS as building blocks of the new India.

The Prime Minister emphasized that education is not just about teaching but also about learning. He mentioned the flexibility provided by the new National Education Policy, which allows students to choose subjects according to their interests. He also discussed the National Institutional Ranking Framework, which motivates institutions to improve quality and competitiveness while linking institutional autonomy to education quality.

He highlighted the increasing recognition of Indian universities due to forward-looking educational policies and decisions. He mentioned the rising number of Indian universities in international rankings and credited the country’s youth for their transformative role. He commended the youth for going beyond placements and degrees and instead focusing on blazing their own trail. He cited the significant increase in startups, patent filings, and India’s improved position in the Global Innovation Index as evidence of this mindset.

The Prime Minister mentioned the recent deal with the USA on the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), which he believes will create new opportunities for Indian youth in various sectors, including AI and semiconductors. He highlighted the investment decisions made by companies like Micron, Google, and Applied Materials in India, which indicate a promising future for the youth.

He observed that India is on the cusp of the Industry 4.0 Revolution, with technologies like AI, AR, and VR becoming a part of everyday life. He mentioned the opportunities created in sectors like robotics, space, defense, and drones, which offer new avenues for India’s young generation.

The Prime Minister discussed the impact of India’s growing global profile on students’ curiosity and highlighted the country’s assistance to the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized that Indian values such as democracy, equality, and mutual respect are becoming universal values, providing new opportunities for Indian youth in government, diplomacy, and other fields. He also mentioned the growing recognition of Indian teachers worldwide, contributing to India’s soft power.

The Prime Minister urged universities to prepare their mindset for this development and create a roadmap to become top-ranking institutions globally. He concluded by emphasizing the responsibility of educational institutions in preparing the minds and hearts of a nation, stating that the vision and mission of such institutions are essential for developing a future-ready generation.

The Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Delhi, Yogesh Singh, were present at the event.

“Give Up Politics Of Hatred Against Deekshitars”: Descendants Of Vijayanagara Empire Who Reconstructed Chidambaram Natarajar Temple Condemn TN Govt

By
The Commune
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From being a sacred place of worship, the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple has become embroiled in controversy due to the recent incidents that have taken place.

At the center of the controversy is the decision to restrict public access to the Kanakasabhai (Golden Hall) in the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple for four days following the annual Aani Thirumanjanam festival. This restriction has been a longstanding tradition at the temple during this festival.

However, officials from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR & CE) Department and the police stormed into the Kanakasabai (Golden Platform) during the ongoing Aani Thirumanjanam festival. This move has sparked outrage and condemnation from the temple authorities and devotees.

In light of this, the Vijayanagara Ujjivana Charitable Trust run by the descendants of the Vijayanagara empire condemned the distressing turn of events at the temple and the tirade against Deekshitars.

“The recent controversy in the Chidambaram Sri Nataraja Temple has hurt the sentiments of Hindu devotees across the country. It is seen that the officials of TN Government (like HR&CE department, Police etc.) are behaving in an atrociously high-handed manner with the Thillai Dikshitars who are the hereditary owners of the temple.”, the press release said.

“We see that baseless allegations are being hurled against this ancient community of worshippers and their right to administer their temple is being hindered at every step. Already the community was tarnished by the government through various baseless allegations, their minor girls were subjected to inhuman`two-finger’ test among other such targeted steps taken by the officials of the state.”, the press statement further added.

Contrary to the claims made by a few people that temples like Chidambaram Natarajar Temple were built by kings and hence their ownership should lie with the state, the Trust clarified that the rulers did not own or control or administer the temple.

“Several inscriptions with donations end with phrases like Srivaishnava Raksha, Maaheshvara Raksha etc. to specifically emphasize the fact that the temples belonged to a specific denomination and that the denomination shall administer & protect the particular temple. Once donated, the property does not remain public property. It belongs to the specific denominafion.” , it said.

“Once a land or property has been allocated by the government as a private property, neither the government nor the general public can claim the property as theirs. Just because an apartment has been presented by the state to a family, said apartment does not become state property. Similarly, when the temples were built and offered to specific sampradayas by the rulers, the state & the general public lose the right over said temples. They are not state property anymore.”, it further added.

“The current temple was restored, renovated and expanded by the Vijayanagar emperors and their Nayaka subordinates after the reconquest of Tamil lands by the empire under Kumara Kampana. Emperor Krishnadevaraya built the grand gopurams of this temple. Our ancestors certainly did not consider themselves as the owners of the temple nor did they see the temple as property of the state. The temple belongs to the Dikshitars and should remain so forever till the sun and moon remain — as they should be.”, the press release noted.

The Trust also pointed out to the sorry state of affairs of several ancient temples of Tamil Nadu saying “We see that several centuries old temples built and endowed by Cholas, Pandyas, Vijayanagar, Nayalcas and other rulers — which are under the administrative control of the HR8cCE department — remain without proper maintenance and in many cases, without even proper pujas. The government should rather concentrate its efforts towards better maintenance of these dilapidated temples instead of unnecessarily persecuting the Dikshitars of Chidambaram temple who maintain their temple in a proper manner.”

“We implore the government of Tamil Nadu to give up this politics of hatred against the Dikshitars and instead take firm steps towards maintenance and improvement of the ancient temples of the state which display the real rich culture and traditions of the Tamil land”, it concluded.

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NCSC Issues Notice To TN Govt Over Hygiene Worker’s Death Brought To Light By TN BJP

By
The Commune
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The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has taken strong notice of a tragic incident in Pennadam town, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, where a man lost his life allegedly due to inhaling toxic gas during sewer cleaning.

On 26 June 2023, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu, the Director General of Police, the District Collector, and the Superintendent of Police of Cuddalore district, requesting a detailed action report and relevant documents concerning the death of a hygiene worker in Cuddalore.

The NCSC took suo-motu cognizance of the incident involving Babu, who was employed in the Pennadam Town Panchayat of Cuddalore district and passed away on 24 May 2023. In the notice, the NCSC instructed officials to provide a copy of the First Information Report (FIR), medical reports, and information about any financial support given to the deceased worker’s family. Urgency was emphasized, and the concerned officers were urged to treat the notice as a top priority.

Earlier, Chairperson of National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) Ma. Venkatesan along with a team of officials visited Pennadam on 3 June 2023 to inquire about the incident. He also visited the spot where the deceased Babu was made to enter the drain and clean it.

Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai had collected the information and submitted it to the NCSC urging them to take appropriate action.

It is worth noting that Babu’s death became a matter of political controversy in Tamil Nadu. BJP Tamil Nadu State Secretary SG Suryah was arrested on the intervening night of 16 and 27 June 2023 for his statement against Madurai Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP Su Venkatesan over the death of a hygiene worker who was allegedly forced to clean a faeces-filled drain by a Communist councillor. Suryah inadvertently mentioned that the incident happened in Madurai instead of Cuddalore.

According to Babu’s wife Deepa’s statement in the FIR, Babu was instructed by Ward Councillor Viswanathan on 19 May 2023 to clean the sewer line in ward number 12 of the Pennadam Town Panchayat. Deepa mentioned that Babu fell unconscious immediately after entering the sewer line near Sillupanur Road in Mettutheru and was quickly rushed to a private hospital in Pennadam. He was subsequently transferred to a private hospital in Perambalur for further treatment and then to Cauvery Hospital in Trichy. Unfortunately, Babu did not respond to the treatment and passed away in the early hours of 24 May 2023. Deepa accused the ward councillor and town panchayat administrators of failing to provide safety equipment for Babu during the sewer cleaning process.

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North-Indian Officers Appointed To Top Positions In TN, Netizens Question “Dravidian Model”

By
The Commune
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In what appears to be ironic, the Tamil Nadu government announced several high-level appointments on 29 June 2023, raising eyebrows among netizens.

Shankar Jiwal, a 1990-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, was appointed as the new Director General of Police/Head of Police Force, replacing C Sylendra Babu upon his retirement on 30 June 2023. Sandeep Rai Rathore, DGP (training) from the Police Traiing College, was named the new Commissioner of Police, Chennai, taking over from Shankar Jiwal.

Shankar Jiwal was appointed as the City Police Commissioner earlier this year as the DMK assumed power in Tamil Nadu. His tenure is said to last for two years. In addition to this, it was also announced that Shiv Das Meena will take over as the new chief secretary of the state.
However, what raises eyebrows further is that none of the newly appointed officials, including Shankar Jiwal, Sandeep Rai Rathore, and the state’s new chief secretary, Shiv Das Meena, hail from Tamil Nadu or are of Tamil origin.

Shiv Das Meena, a 1989 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, will assume the position of chief secretary. He is a native of the Tonk district in Rajasthan. Sandeep Rai Rathore, a native of New Delhi, who completed his studies at the prestigious Delhi School of Economics, is set to take on the role of Commissioner of Police, Chennai. Similarly, Shankar Jiwal, although originally from Uttarakhand, the only exception is that he belongs to the Tamil Nadu IPS cadre.

The appointment of these non-Tamil individuals to prominent positions has raised questions, particularly in light of the members of the DMK indulging in hate politics against the “north Indians.” It seems ironic that the DMK government which earlier accused the erstwhile AIADMK government of appointing north Indians in government jobs has now placed individuals from outside the Tamil community in the highest posts of the state government.

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Former CPI Town Secretary Commits Suicide Allegedly Due To Police Torture During Interrogation, Wife Also Alleged Tortured

By
The Commune
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In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves throughout the Pudukottai locality, a 58-year-old jeweller and former town secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI), P Rajasekaran, allegedly died by suicide on Sunday night (June 25). The incident occurred just days after he was taken into police custody for interrogation. The news of his death has prompted widespread condemnation of the police, with allegations of custodial torture emerging.

The circumstances surrounding Rajasekaran’s death have ignited public anger and led to protests in the town. Traders, along with the deceased’s family members and CPI functionaries, staged a road blockade on Monday, demanding justice and an end to custodial torture. The sub-inspector of police who headed the interrogation has been placed on compulsory wait pending further investigation.

A protest march was organized to the Pattukkottai government hospital, where Rajasekaran’s body was taken. As a mark of solidarity, local jewellery shops remained closed on Monday, emphasizing the collective outrage against the alleged police brutality.

According to sources, Rajasekaran was apprehended by officers from the K K Nagar police station in Tiruchy on June 22 on charges of jewellery theft. His wife was also summoned for questioning, and a search was conducted at their residence. Both were released on June 24.

However, on Sunday, Rajasekaran failed to return home and was later discovered dead near the railway tracks in the Chettiakkadu area, near Pattukkottai. The railway police retrieved his body, which was subsequently sent to the Pattukkottai government hospital for a post-mortem examination. The police have classified the death as a suicide.

The news of Rajasekaran’s demise has elicited strong reactions from various political figures and leaders. CPI state deputy secretary N Periyasamy, Tiruthuraipoondi MLA K Marimuthu, former MLA G Palanichamy, and district secretaries M Uthirapathy and M A Bharathi engaged in talks with police officials, demanding action against those responsible for the alleged custodial torture. Former MLA N R Rangarajan further called for a CB-CID (Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department) investigation into the matter.

Meanwhile, the opposition leader in Tamil Nadu and general secretary of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Edappadi K. Palaniswami, criticized the ruling DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) government for the incident. Edappadi said, “Rajasekhar, a former Pattukottai town secretary of the Communist Party of India, one of the political organisations that continues to support the Vidiyal government and puppet CM MK Stalin, has committed suicide as a result of police torture.”

Palaniswami added, “There are reports that Rajasekhar has been taken by police from Trichy area for enquiry, claiming that he had bought stolen jewelery from someone a few days ago. Mr. Rajasekhar’s father Mr. Pichaikannu Paththar lived in this area with great dignity. According to the people of Pattukottai area, these people are from good families and have no chance of doing something like this. Though it is said that inquiry is a routine thing in the jewelry business, It seems that his wife was also taken into custody without any connection in the case and tortured in the name of investigation. Due to this, Mr. Rajasekhar jumped in front of the train and committed suicide.”

He stated, “A separate body should be formed to investigate Rajasekhar’s alleged suicide. As a relief, Rs 50 lakhs should be given to their family. I also urge the inept Chief Minister MK Stalin and the Vidiyal DMK government to take legal action against all those responsible, including the police officers who detained and tortured the CPI member.”

(With inputs from New Indian Express)

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Family Faces Social Ostracism In Dharmapuri District

By
The Commune
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A local Chitling panchayat in Arur, Dharmapuri district, has found itself embroiled in controversy after it ostracized a family, sparking concerns about social justice and discrimination. The incident is particularly contentious as it occurred in the district represented by DMK Dharmapuri MP Senthil Kumar, who has positioned himself as a champion of social justice.

The dispute dates back thirty years when Chinna Kiriyan, belonging to the Scheduled Tribe, sold three cents of land to Arumuga Kavundar, the son of Varathappa Goundar, who resides in a neighboring garden. The sale was necessary as it provided access to Arumuga Goundar’s garden. However, it is alleged that sixteen years later, Sakthivel Gounder, the son of Arumugam Gounder, fraudulently registered a fake deed claiming ownership of the entire five cents of land.

When Chinna Kiriyan demanded the return of the land that legally did not belong to Sakthivel, the latter, who hails from a numerically dominant community, employed his influence to ostracize Chinna Kiriyan’s entire family. The family has reportedly faced social boycott for nearly five years, making it difficult for the children to attend school and interact with their peers.

In response to their plight, the Scheduled Tribe family has submitted a complaint to the Dharmapuri district collector, urging action against those responsible for their social ostracism and boycott.

Notably, the Member of Parliament representing the Dharmapuri constituency is Dr. Senthil Kumar, who has publicly identified himself as the grandson of Vadivelu ‘Gounder.’ While Senthil Kumar has projected himself as a social justice warrior and advocated for the eradication of caste divisions, critics question whether he will ensure justice for the tribal family allegedly facing social boycott by individuals from his own caste within the same district.

(With inputs from Thanthi Tv)

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TN Governor Ravi Dismisses Senthil Balaji From Stalin’s Council Of Ministers

By
The Commune
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In an unprecedented move, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi dismissed V. Senthil Balaji from MK Stalin’s Council of Ministers.

The office of the Governor in a press release stated that Senthil Balaji is facing serious criminal proceedings in a number of corruption cases including taking cash for jobs and money laundering.

“Abusing his position as a Minister, he has been influencing the investigation and obstructing the due process of law and justice.”, the press release said.

“Currently he is in judicial custody in a criminal case being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate. Some more criminal cases against him under Prevention of Corruption Act and the Indian Penal Code are being investigated by the State Police.”, the press release further added.

The office of the Governor noted that there are reasonable apprehensions about Senthil Balaji continuing as a Minister as it may adversely fair investigation and due process of law eventually leading to a breakdown of Constitutional machinery in the state.

This particular line has raised the eyebrows of political observers with speculations of dismissal of the DMK government itself in the state.

“Under these circumstances, Hon’ble Governor has dismissed Thiru. V. Senthil Balaji from the Council of Ministers with immediate effect.”, the press release said.

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Wife Of Allegedly Assaulted Deekshitar Says He Was Pushed And His Poonool Was Cut

By
The Commune
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In a recent controversy surrounding the Chidambaram Natarajar Temple, there have been allegations of assault and cutting of a sacred thread (janeu/poonool) of Deekshitars by the officials who had forcibly entered the Kanakasabai (golden platform) during the Aani Thirumanjanam Festival.

Supporters of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party have vehemently denied the incident.  Accusations of spreading fake news and tagging police and DMK’s IT wing handles on Twitter have been directed towards The Commune that had also reported the incident.

https://twitter.com/stealthNshadow1/status/1674002113721147392

Despite the denial from DMK supporters, it has been firmly established that on 27 June 2023, officials forcibly entered the Kanakasabai of the Chidambaram Natarajar Temple, leading to a scuffle in which a Deekshitar’s janeu/poonool was allegedly cut and their clothes torn. 

https://twitter.com/Dhivaka40208011/status/1673738857777618944

In a video that is being shared on social media platforms, the wife of the assaulted Deekshitar expressed her distress at seeing her husband in such a vulnerable state. She said he was feeling giddy and needed to be taken to the hospital.

“He is feeling giddy and was about to fall down. Poonool has been cut and they’ve pulled his veshti.”, the wife of the Deekshitar says.

“They cut his poonool. Can they do that?”, she emphasized that the poonool of her Deekshitar husband was cut.

She highlighted the infringement on personal boundaries, stating, “If you are a female, what right does one have to touch a male?” indicating one of the lady officials had actually pushed the Deekshitar. 

“Had the roles been reversed, the media would’ve pounced on it. Will you put this in the media now? I dare that lady official who pushed my husband to come before me. Whoever she may be.”, the wife of the Deekshitar says.

In an interview, the advocate representing the Deekshitars confirmed the authenticity of the incident, further corroborating the evidence. 

In the above video, he says “what is the need for carrying out an attack that results in the cutting off of the sacred thread? I leave it for the people to see.”

But, Chidambaram police officials have denied that such an incident happened. They say that officials had entered the platform to allow worship as per the government order.

However, it is a matter of surprise that supporters of Dravidian ideology that prides itself on cutting sacred threads of Brahmins and challenging their customs and traditions are crying foul and denying that such a similar act was committed now. Here is a video featuring Sirpi Rajan, a senior Dravidian Stockist leader recalling an anecdote about cutting janeu and shikha of Tamil Brahmins in the past. 

The denial from DMK supporters contradicts their ideology’s historical stance on the janeu, which has been a source of concern for proponents of the Dravidian movement.

Instances of uproar have occurred in the past, most notably when cricketer Venkatesh Iyer shared photos of himself wearing janeu and playing cricket with children at a vedapatashala, and when Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katch (VCK) chief Thirumavalavan proclaimed his intention to ban the janeu if he came into power.

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“We Did Bad Things Boldly When In Opposition Without Any Fear”, TN CM Stalin Says

By
The Commune
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In what is being seen by DMK critics as a confession, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister while participating in DMK member Gummidipoondi Venu family’s marriage function, said that the DMK did bad things boldly when in opposition but is now treading carefully even to do good things.

His remarks have drawn attention and criticism due to their implications about the party’s actions during its time in opposition.

 

In the video, Stalin acknowledges the influence of social media on political decision-making, stating that even when the intention is to do good, careful consideration is necessary. He goes on to contrast the freedom the party enjoyed while in opposition, even when engaging in potentially questionable activities, with the caution and moderation now required as the ruling party. He emphasizes the need for thorough deliberation and reflection before taking any action, highlighting the delicate position the party finds itself in.

He says to the audience, “You know how things are in social media. Even if we have to do good, we have to do it in fear. When we were in the opposition, we did bad things without any fear. But now that we are the ruling party, even if we have to do something good, we have to do it with caution, patience, and moderation. You have to think about it over and over again before you do anything or act on anything. Such is our state.”

The video’s release has caused surprise and raised questions about the extent to which the DMK was willing to go to achieve its objectives while in opposition. Stalin’s candid admission about the party’s past actions suggests a willingness to pursue its goals at any cost, leaving room for concerns about ethical conduct and a potential disregard for the well-being of the people.

Ironically, the video emerges at a time when the DMK government is facing criticism for its overreaching actions against Hindus and Hindu temples, specifically citing the case of the Chidambaram temple. These allegations have further fueled the debate surrounding the party’s conduct and decision-making processes.

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BJP TN Head Annamalai Lashes Out At DMK Govt For Interference In Chidambaram Temple Affairs

By
The Commune
-

In a press release by the Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party President, K Annamalai, has lashed out at the DMK government and the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments department with regard to the recent incidents at the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple.

The press release stated that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government is working very hard to disrupt the age-old worshipping practices at the renowned Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, which holds a significant historical and religious significance dating back over a thousand years.

At the center of the controversy is the decision to restrict public access to the Kanakasabhai (Golden Hall) in the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple for four days following the annual Aani Thirumanjanam festival. This restriction has been a longstanding tradition at the temple during this festival.

The press release stated that the government’s actions are undermining the autonomy of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, which is not under the jurisdiction of the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department. “This move has been viewed as a disregard for previous court rulings by both the Hon’ble Madras High Court and the Hon’ble Supreme Court, as well as an affront to the sentiments of the devotees.”, Annamalai stated in his press release.

Referring to a 1951 judgment by the Hon’ble Madras High Court (petition 2591/195), Annamalai pointed out that Chidambaram Deekshitars are considered a denominated sect of Hinduism under Article 26 of the Constitution. He also referred to another judgement in 1951 (petition 668/195) that reinforced that the administrative authority of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple solely rests with the Deekshitars, emphasizing that the government holds no jurisdiction over the temple.

“The Supreme Court dismissed the case filed by the Madras Provincial Government against this ruling in 1953. Additionally, the Hindu Religious Charities Act of 1959 explicitly states that the Tamil Nadu Government has no authority over temples managed by the Hindu religion (Denominated Community). Despite these legal precedents, the DMK government in 2002 attempted to bring the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple under the purview of the Hindu Religious Charities Department, a decision that was later deemed illegal by the Supreme Court.”, the BJP Tamil Nadu President noted in his release.

Annamalai also recalled that when the DMK government tried to take over Chidambaram Natarajar Temple in 2009 by issuing a government order, it was struck down by the Supreme Court and the GO was finally withdrawn by the state government in 2014.

“Since coming into power in 2021, the current DMK-led government has faced criticism for interfering in the administration of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple and attempting to gain control through the charity department. Officials have demanded an audit of the temple’s jewels, which was duly conducted in compliance with the request. However, the government’s interference has continued, leading to discontent among the temple authorities and devotees”, states the press release.

In May of last year, the Tamil Nadu government issued an ordinance that encroached on the temple’s jurisdiction. It declared that visitors could access the Kanakasabhai and partake in worship. However, during the Aani Thirumanjanam ceremony, when the temple jewels are adorned by Thillai Nataraja, access to the Kanakasabhai is restricted to ensure security. The temple authorities did not oppose this ordinance, but questions remain regarding the government’s ongoing interference, he stated in the press release.

In the press release, Annamalai also points to the allegations regarding the Special District Collector’s handling of the 3,500 acres of land owned by the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple. It is claimed that revenue accounts for this land have not been reported for the past 15 years, and the temple has been deprived of its rightful share of revenue during this period. “These allegations warrant clarification from the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Minister, Mr. Sekar Babu.”, he said.

He stated that there have been calls for a private audit of the revenue expenditure of the more than 37,000 temples managed by the HR&CE Department. “Minister Sekhar Babu, who appears to disregard the judgements of the Hon’ble Madras High Court, must acknowledge the limits of his jurisdiction”, Annamalai stated in the press release.

He also stated that the actions of the DMK government were extending beyond mere opposition to Hinduism and accused the government of encroaching on temple properties managed by the HR&CE Department and creating new problems in an attempt to divert attention from other issues of their regime. The action of the DMK government he stated was not only against Hinduism but also displayed their scant respect for the Constitution and court rulings.

Annamalai has also warned that if there is any further interference by the government in the administration of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple there could be significant consequences.

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