Hindu Makkal Katchi , a political outfit in Tamil Nadu, has alleged that the AIADMK Government led by Edappadi Palaniswami is discriminating the Hindus in the State while encouraging other religion.
Arjun Sampath, founder, HMK, said in a statement on Friday that the Government’s refusal of permission to Hindus to observe Vinayaka Chathurthi scheduled for Saturday was proof of this ‘blatant discrimination’.
He said that this year’s Vinayaka Chathurthi was of significant to the Hindus because of their prayer to the God for an early end to the Covid-19 pandemic haunting the world. “ We had told the Government that there wouldn’t be any festivities and celebrations but we should be allowed to take processions observing social distancing norms for immersion of the statues in the Bay of Bengal and rivers in the State,” said Sampath.
Meanwhile the BJP cadre all over the State are of the view that it was time for the party to end its alliance with the AIADMK. “More than 70 per cent of the AIADMK supporters are Hindus. They are offended and felt let down by the Governent’smove to ban Vinayaka Chathurthi celebration. The Government has opened TASMAC liquor outlets and allowed slaughter of animals for Id. But why we are being discriminated against?” asked Sri Priya Iyer, a BJP activist.
Sampath said while Maharashtra and Karnataka have allowed Ganesh Chathurthi festivities, the Dravidian governments in Tamil Nadu always treat the event as a law and order issue despite the Hindus observe the celebration with due diligence.
But the Madras High Court on Wednesday had disposed off a petition filed by a Hindu Front activist asking for directive to the Government allowing the festivities of Vinayak Chathurthi. The State Government had declared prohibitory orders till August 31 making it difficult for the organisers to undertake processions.
Sampath pointed out that the Government had allowed the Ramadan and Id festivities all over the State despite the pandemic situation. “It had also allowed the chariot procession of the Cathedral in Thoothukudi.
Why the Hindus are denied their religious rights? This is a violation of Fundamental Rights and Freedom of Religion,” he said.