Since severing ties with the BJP, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has faced sporadic unrest, though no significant upheaval initially. However, as parliamentary elections drew near, the AIADMK’s definitive break from the BJP compelled its members to oppose BJP in the line of its rival DMK in the state. This marks a peculiar predicament for the AIADMK, particularly after ousting former leader O Panneerselvam, a favorite of Jayalalitha, along with TTV Dinakaran and their 18 rebel MLAs. This has left the AIADMK stranded, unsure of its direction in the parliamentary elections and its stance contradicted through all its previous decisions. Currently, the party’s general secretary, Edappadi K Palaniswami, also seems to only engage in X platform (formally Twitter) condemnations, failing to address crucial issues that could bolster his standing, thus leaving him and party vulnerable to chip away at his authority.
In this context, the AIADMK IT wing has sparked controversy by adopting novel tactics under the guise of criticizing the BJP. Rather than engaging in direct, civil critique, they have resorted to attacking Hindu beliefs. This shift is exemplified by RK Jeyabalan, Joint Secretary of the IT wing, who has hurled derogatory remarks at the BJP, referring to them as “Sanathana pigs and dogs.” Additionally, he propagated a false narrative claiming that women are prohibited from performing poojas in temples according to Vedic culture and are restricted from participating in temple rituals outside of Tamil Nadu.
AIADMK IT wing Joint Secretary RK Jeyabalan stated, “Modi’s family (who) doesn’t have original name, father’s name, are you all ready? If this madam, Madhavi Latha intention is meant to perform “pooja”, would you defy your Sanathana dharma and appoint as female priest in a Hindu temple beyond Tamil Nadu? (Because Tamil Nadu Vedics won’t allow it). I’m not going to say, “Sanatana pigs…dogs…will slipper you”. (Already snapped).
BJP had ruled for ten years. Shouldn’t its candidates campaign by saying what they’re going to do? Is this religious bigotry right, Modi’s monkeys?”
Original பெயர், தந்தை பெயர் இல்லாத மோடி குடும்பத்தினர் அனைவரும் Ready-யா?
இந்த அம்மையார் மாதவி லதா "பூஜை" செய்வதே நோக்கமாக இருப்பின், உங்க சனாதன தர்மத்தை மீறி தமிழ்நாட்டைத் தாண்டியுள்ள ஒரு இந்துக் கோவிலில் பெண் அர்ச்சகராக்குவீர்களா? (தமிழ்நாட்டு வேதிகர்கள் அனுமதிக்கமாட்டார்கள்… https://t.co/C3p7eQERdI
— RK Jeyabalan🌱 (@jeyabalanrk) May 2, 2024
This Hindu hate is emanating from the AIADMK against the backdrop of Madhavi Latha, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate, challenging Asaduddin Owaisi, the four-time MP from the All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), in Hyderabad. Owaisi, who recently lent support to AIADMK in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, is now facing opposition from Latha.
AIADMK has refused to ally with BJP and has committed to never allying with it in the future. It has also assured that it will oppose CAA, NPR & NRC. Therefore, AIMIM extends its support to AIADMK in the coming Lok Sabha elections.
Our alliance will also continue for the Assembly…— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) April 13, 2024
It’s truly disheartening to witness the present direction of the AIADMK, especially considering its rich legacy with stalwarts like MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalitha, who staunchly advocated for Hinduism and safeguarded its principles in Tamil Nadu. However, the current leadership seems to be veering towards the path of the DMK, espousing anti-Hindu sentiments and propagating falsehoods to align with its rival, the DMK.
Contrary to the AIADMK’s claims, the existence of women priests and priests from non-Brahmin castes in Tamil Nadu is not a novel concept. Numerous smaller temples across the nation, along with renowned ones have a long-standing tradition of female priests and inclusive practices, allowing women to engage in rituals and even touch idols. Moreover, the hereditary system of women priests is prevalent in many temples, particularly those dedicated to village deities in North eastern India.
The Hindu scriptures do not forbid women from assuming religious leadership roles, as evidenced by examples such as Megha Gokhle, who has been performing priestly duties in Navi Mumbai for over 40 years. Additionally, temples like the Gokarnanatheshwara Temple in Mangalore took a progressive step by appointing women priests, including widows, a decade ago. In Pune, individuals like Chitralekha are breaking gender barriers by serving as Hindu priests, with organizations like the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute and Jnana Prabhodini actively training and empowering around 1,600 women for such roles.
The Vitthal Rukhmini Temple in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, often referred to as the Southern Kashi of India, set a precedent by appointing non-Brahmin and female priests, highlighting a broader trend towards inclusivity and social integration within Hinduism, championed even in Gujarat under the leadership of Narendra Modi. Therefore, this fabricated story is untrue and it’s unfortunate to witness.
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