News Tamil Nadu

Former Idol Wing IG Ponn Manickavel Calls For HR&CE Dissolution, Backs BJP TN Chief Annamalai’s Temple Control Reform

January 6, 2025
The Commune

AG Ponn Manickavel, the former IG of the idol wing unit, has called for the dissolution of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE), accusing it of neglecting temples across Tamil Nadu. He praised Tamil Nadu BJP president Annamalai’s suggestion that the HR&CE relinquish control of the temples, calling it a “great idea” and adding that Annamalai deserves a significant majority for this initiative in upcoming elections.

During his visit to the Bragathambal Temple in Pudukkottai, Ponn Manickavel told reporters that the ruling government is responsible for the deteriorating state of many temples, noting that the Tamil Nadu government has failed to properly maintain and renovate them. He also questioned why Chief Minister Stalin, who is reportedly unwilling to enter temples, is overseeing their management.

Manickavel criticized the HR&CE Department for its inability to properly care for the temples, suggesting that a separate majority should support the idea of removing the department from temple management. He pointed out that many ancient temples in Tamil Nadu are being neglected, with valuable sculptures left unprotected and regular worship not being conducted.

He further highlighted that while the HR&CE Department collects over ₹656 crore annually from temple taxes, it has not ensured the proper upkeep of these temples. In contrast, the Central Government allocates ₹1,308 crore annually to maintain 3,579 historical sites across the country, but even these temples often suffer from poor maintenance. Some temples lack basic amenities like electricity and doors, he added.

Manickavel proposed that the HR&CE Department should be disbanded and that the HR&CE Act should be amended. He suggested the creation of organizations like Mahasabha to take over the management of temples. Noting that there are around 38,000 temples in Tamil Nadu under the Endowments Department, he criticized the Chief Minister for not visiting a single temple. He urged political parties seeking to hold the Chief Minister’s position to push for changes in temple management.

He also expressed his intention to unite Hindu organizations to protect the temples, consult with them, and plan the next steps. Finally, he suggested that the State Archaeological Department should focus on reconstructing temples while preserving their original structures, with the Endowments Department’s role limited to performing the Kumbabhishekam rituals.

(With inputs fFrom Hindu Tamil)

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