Former HR&CE Minister and DMK MLA PK Sekar Babu defended the appointment of temple trustees under the DMK government, claiming that the government had appointed “qualified members” with spiritual involvement and without political affiliations.
Speaking about the appointment of trustees to major temples, Sekar Babu cited examples from across Tamil Nadu and said the government had followed established practices while making such appointments.
“If you look at the list of trustees we appointed in the past, you will know,” Sekar Babu said.
He cited the Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore as an example, stating that the owner of Apollo Hospitals had previously headed its board of trustees. He also referred to the Vadapalani Murugan Temple, where he said Adhimoolam of Dinamalar had served as the trustee-in-charge.
Similarly, referring to the Kallazhagar Temple, Sekar Babu said Venkatasalam, the owner of Venkateswara College, had headed the temple administration. He also cited the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, saying Rukmani Palanivel had become its chairperson as a member of a traditional lineage following a court order.
“Thus, in all these places, we have appointed eligible members,” he said.
Sekar Babu also referred to an earlier order of the Madras High Court concerning the appointment of temple trustees. He said a bench headed by Justice Mahadevan had observed that those appointed to trustee boards, particularly in major temples, should be free from political affiliation and have spiritual involvement.
He then criticised the extension of the deadline for applications for temple trustee positions, alleging that the process had already been extended three times.
“They have already extended the deadline for applications for trustee boards three times. We are closely watching that as well,” Sekar Babu said.
Responding to criticism that such scrutiny amounted to “spying”, he said the DMK’s role was to work for the people.
“If we closely monitor all these things, they call it spying. Spying is not the work of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. Working for the people is the work of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam,” he said.
‘We Are Not Afraid Of These Threats’
Sekar Babu was also questioned about allegations that the DMK government had files relating to alleged irregularities and “correction files” involving the party.
Responding to the allegations, he said he had already made his position clear in the Assembly and challenged anyone alleging wrongdoing to proceed through the legal process.
“I have clearly said this in the Assembly. Whatever it is, bring it into practice. If we have actually committed any wrongdoing, we are ready to fight it legally. We are innocent. Bring it on,” he said.
“We are not people who are afraid of all these threats,” he added.
‘We Do Not Use God For Politics’
Sekar Babu also responded to criticism concerning the DMK government’s approach to Lord Murugan and the celebration of Soorasamharam.
He rejected the allegation that the DMK uses religion for political purposes and said the party did not use devotion to create hostility.
“We never use God for politics. We do not use devotion to create hatred. We use devotion to strengthen faith in God,” Sekar Babu said.
Highlighting the DMK government’s temple-related initiatives, he said the Soorasamharam-related temple had been developed at a cost of ₹400 crore under the present government.
He also cited the International Muthamizh Murugan Conference organised by the Tamil Nadu government, claiming that representatives from 22 countries participated in the event.
“The one who organised the Muthamizh Murugan Conference, with 22 countries participating, was our Chief Minister, the leader of the Dravidian Model government,” he said.
Sekar Babu further highlighted temple renovation and infrastructure projects undertaken at several Murugan temples.
He said the Palani Murugan Temple had undergone consecration following the implementation of a master plan. He also pointed to the Thirupparankundram Murugan Temple, saying its consecration had been conducted under the present government.
At the Marudamalai Murugan Temple, he said, the government had introduced a lift facility, while a similar facility was brought to the Swamimalai Murugan Temple after taking into account the difficulties faced by devotees.
“If Lord Murugan had the right to vote, he would certainly have voted for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam for the work carried out by the DMK,” Sekar Babu said.
He concluded by portraying the DMK government as one that had contributed to the development and promotion of Murugan worship and temple infrastructure in Tamil Nadu.
“Dravidian Model rule is the government that has added greater glory to Murugan, to Muthamizh Murugan and to Tamil Kadavul Murugan,” he said.
Subscribe to our channels on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and YouTube to get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
