Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Denounces Temple Violence, Calls for Action Against HR&CE Department

X: @the_news_21

K. Annamalai, the Tamil Nadu BJP Chief, strongly criticized the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department following reported incidents of violence near the Srirangam Ranganatha Swamy Temple. Annamalai condemned the alleged assault on devotees who raised concerns about prolonged waiting times in queues.

Expressing dismay, Annamalai stated, “A government that lacks faith in Hindu Dharma has no place intervening in Hindu Temples.” He highlighted the plight of devotees, particularly the Iyyappa devotees who had completed a 42-day Vrath, expressing their desire to offer prayers at Ranganatha Swamy Temple after returning from Sabarimala.

In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), Annamalai detailed the reported incident, citing that devotees questioning the extended queues and alleged preferential treatment to a few individuals resulted in violent altercations within the temple premises. He criticized the HR&CE department’s perceived arrogance, emphasizing it as one among several reasons for the Tamil Nadu BJP’s advocacy to remove the department from temple administration.

In a proactive move, Annamalai announced the Trichy district unit’s plan to stage a protest outside the Srirangam Ranganatha Swamy Temple against the TN HR&CE department. The protest aims to demand stringent action against those responsible for disrupting the sanctity of the temple and harming devotees.

Annamalai’s vocal condemnation of the reported violence underscores the growing concern over the administration and sanctity of Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu, sparking a call for immediate action and accountability from the responsible authorities.

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