If elected in Tamil Nadu, will close the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department : BJP

• This department is responsible for Government takeover of temples

• Also assured to remove statues of Periyar outside temples

State BJP President K Annamalai

Chennai – State BJP President K Annamalai has made an important statement on what BJP will do if it comes to power. During the rally at Srirangam, he announced, “we will do away with the ‘Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department’ as soon as we come to power. It is through this department that thousands of ancient Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu have been brought under Government’s control. When we come to power, this department will not exist”.

Annamalai further said,

As soon as the BJP comes to power in the state, the statues of Periyar positioned outside the temples will be removed. Referring to an incident in 1967, Annamalai pointed out that, “When the DMK took charge, they erected signs outside temples bearing the message -Those who worship God are fools. Those who believe in God are deceived. So don’t worship God. “ (Understand the Hindu-hating mentality of the DMK Party – Editor)

We promise you from the land of Srirangam that when we come to power, our first task will be to remove that plaque and flagpole outside the temple. Instead, we will erect statues of Tamil Hindu saints, Alvars and Nayanars. A statue of the great Tamil saint Thiruvalluvar will also be erected.

A true national leader is emerging in the form of Annamalai – TR Ramesh

Responding to Annamalai’s statement, TR Ramesh, the president of the ‘Temple Worshipers Society’ in Tamil Nadu and a devout Hindu, remarked, “the charity department here is working only to misappropriate the funds of temples in the state. I welcome Annamalai’s stance. I do not regard EV Ramaswamy as a ‘Periyar’ (great man). Ramaswamy consistently opposed the Indian system, the Tamil language and symbols of Tamil culture. He also made derogatory remarks against Dalits and Muslims. His statues ought to be removed. I would like to say that a true national leader is emerging in the form of Annamalai”. Speaking to the correspondent of the daily ‘Sanatan Prabhat,’ Ramesh also expressed optimism that Annamalai will steadfastly adhere to his stance and take appropriate action.

Editorial Perspective

Hindus believe that rather than taking the aforementioned actions, the BJP Government at the Centre should consider issuing an ordinance to liberate Hindu temples across India from Government control.