In a tweet, the Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party Chief K. Annamalai has accused the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department of attempting to appropriate funds and land belonging to the revered Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore, Chennai, for the construction of a “cultural center”.
Annamalai’s tweet also alleges a series of misappropriations, including encroachment on temple land, diverting temple hundi money, purchasing vehicles using temple funds, and giving cattle donations to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party.
சென்னை மயிலாப்பூர் கபாலீஸ்வரர் கோவிலுக்குச் சொந்தமான இடத்தில், கபாலீஸ்வரர் கோவில் நிதியை எடுத்து, சென்னையில் கலாச்சார மையம் கட்டும் முயற்சியில், இந்து சமய அறநிலையத் துறை ஈடுபடப் போவதாக ஒப்பந்தம் கோரியிருக்கிறது.
கோவில் நிலத்தை ஆக்கிரமிப்பது, கோவில் உண்டியல் பணத்தை எடுத்துக்…
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) October 25, 2023
The Tamil Nadu BJP President expressed grave concerns about the HR&CE Department’s actions, citing that the misappropriation of temple assets contravenes established legal norms. He questioned the DMK’s authority to lay claim to temple funds and land for the establishment of a cultural center when laws explicitly dictate that temple funds should be used solely for temple-related initiatives.
Pointing to specific legal provisions, Annamalai emphasized Sections 36 and 66 of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, which mandate the allocation of surplus funds for purposes such as the establishment of Vedic and Agama schools, orphanages, Hindu religious development schools, and the promotion of Hinduism through educational institutions and healthcare facilities. These provisions clearly prohibit the use of surplus funds for constructing commercial utility buildings.
The Tamil Nadu BJP chief accused the HR&CE Department of acting in contravention of these laws, prompting a call for immediate action from the DMK government. Annamalai warned of a potential mass protest if the alleged misappropriation continues unchecked, indicating a rising level of discontent and opposition to what he perceives as an encroachment on the Kapaleeswarar Temple’s assets.
The controversy surrounding the Kapaleeswarar Temple’s funds and land allocation continuously raises fundamental questions about the proper use of resources tied to religious endowments.
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