Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister P. Sekar Babu has openly threatened the pontiff of Madurai Adheenam, Sri La Sri Harihara Sri Gnanasambanda Desika Swamigal, for his remarks on the DMK government and HR&CE department.
Addressing a meeting organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) in Madurai, the seer said “the government does not interfere in the functioning of Churches or Mosques. But the government interferes in the functioning of our temples through the HR&CE department.”
He called for the disbanding of the department stating that it has turned temples into a den for looters plunderers.
“Temples should be ideally given to us (Aadheenams). It is okay even if they don’t give them to us. A judge with a panel of lawyers should administer the temples. The panel will also consult pontiffs and local people. This is how temples should be managed,” the Swamigal had said.
“First of all, what business does a politician have in temples? The temple wealth have been taken over by the ruling party and the opposition.
The Swamigal had also urged Hindu devotees to not put money in the hundis of HR&CE temples.
“People are asking ‘can the Adheenams speak politics?’. If not us, who will speak ?”, the seer said.
Responding to the comments of the seer, HR&CE Minister Sekar Babu said “I am toning down the response because of the advice given by the Chief Minister. We can also pounce and hit you back. We’re refraining from doing so as it wouldn’t augur well. He (the seer) should not see us holding back as fear. We also know to pounce.”
He further added “The Madurai Adheenam has been continuously speaking like a politician, which the HR&CE Department won’t allow. Madurai Adheenam is trying to portray as if all the Adheenams are against this government. He doesn’t have the right to say that we can’t interfere in temples. If he keeps indulging in such talks we also know how to respond in kind.”
மதுரை ஆதினத்துக்கு மிரட்டல் விடும் இந்து சமய அறநிலை துறை அமைச்சர் சேகர்பாபு. pic.twitter.com/GF8u1542MU
— Krishna Kumar Murugan (@ikkmurugan) June 7, 2022
BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai condemned HR&CE Minister for threatening the pontiff of Madurai Adheenam and dared the DMK government to lay a finger on the Adheenam.
“The only job for Sekar Babu is to go to every place and threaten the spiritual seers of this land. In the latest incident, he is threatening the Madurai Adheenam. He saying ‘Watch your words. We’re keeping calm now. Problem will come if I show the face of the old Sekar Babu.’. The Narendra Modi government is waiting for you to show your old face. Your government has four more years. Lok Sabha elections are 2 years away. We dare you to lay your finger on Madurai Adheenam and see. Just touch and see. We’re waiting for it.”, the BJP Tamil Nadu chief said.
Mr. Annamalai also drew attention to the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Madurai Adheenam pontiff.
“Brother Sekar Babu should have atleast been cautious after seeing the photo of the two. If he is not prudent even then, it means that his bad time has started.”, Mr. Annamalai said.
தைரியமிருந்தால் சேகர்பாபு மதுரை ஆதீனத்தில் கைவைத்து பார்க்கட்டும்..
– அண்ணாமலை..🔥 pic.twitter.com/2UvG1LLP47
— SundarRajaCholan☀சுந்தர்ராஜசோழன்☀ (@sundarrajachola) June 7, 2022
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