Chennai:
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin today dismissed allegations that his government has ‘encroached’ on temples in the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a speech in Telangana, had alleged that the DMK government had taken control of Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu, hinting at financial irregularities. The Prime Minister had also alleged that the Tamil Nadu government was looting temple wealth.
Stalin refuted the accusations, saying that a group of people were trying to gain political power by misusing spiritualism.
“I categorically deny this accusation and convey my strong condemnation to the Prime Minister,” Stalin said at an event marking the 200th anniversary of Saint Vallalar’s birth.
He demanded to know how Narendra Modi, who holds a responsible and high position in the country, could make such a wrong and defamatory accusation.
The DMK chief also lashed out at a Tamil newspaper for publishing the “Prime Minister’s lie”.
Stalin also mentioned the work his government had done in the field of temples. He said his government had recovered temple land worth Rs 3,700 crore rupees in the two years since they came to power.
“Please tell me, is this wrong? We have conducted dedication ceremonies for a thousand temples; is this wrong? Work is underway, at a cost of Rs 100 crore, to renovate 112 historic temples that are a thousand years old. Is this wrong? ” Stalin asked the crowd.
Renovation work on 5,078 temples – including 1,250 shrines in areas where SCs and STs live and 1,250 village temples – will also be started this year, Stalin said.
Stalin slammed the Prime Minister for “constructing a false narrative” and questioned why he was talking about another state while addressing the people of Telangana.
Stalin refrained from naming anyone, but also criticized people who “exploit spiritualism for political gain.” He said these tactics would not work in the state as people can differentiate between politics and spirituality.
The BJP has often stated that the government should not have any control over temples.
Temples in Tamil Nadu were brought under the jurisdiction of the state government through a series of changes in 1960. Currently, the Tamil Nadu government oversees the administration of 46,086 Hindu and Jain temples. Of these, 589 temples have an annual income of more than Rs 10 lakh.
