The DMK Government led by M K Stalin has issued stern warning to the people from watching Monday’s live telecast of the Praan Pratishtaa (consecration) of Lord Rama temple at Ayodhya. This was stated by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman who also asked the people to strongly condemn the State administration’s move.
The minister’s comments came as a fallout of news that local DMK leaders and goons issuing orders to the people to stay away from temples after 11 am and no pujas or annadanam (poor feeding) or bhajans would be allowed, according to Sree Priya Iyer, a Hindu activist.
“In Tamil Nadu there are over 200 temples for Shri Ram. In these temples no puja/bhajan/prasadam/annadanam in the name of Shri Ram would be allowed. Police are stopping privately held temples also from organising events. They are threatening organisers that they will rip off pandals. Strongly condemn this anti Hindu, hateful action,” Nirmala Sitharaman said in her social media post.
The minister who has her roots in Tiruchirappalli in the State said that she came across heart-breaking scenes in several parts of Tamil Nadu. “People are threatened for organising bhajans, feeding the poor, celebrating with sweets even as we wish to watch Prime Minister Narendra Modi participate in the consecration ceremony at Ayodhya. Cable TV operators across the State had been told that there is a likely power-shut down during the live telecast. This is INDI Alliance partner DMK’s anti-Hindu efforts,” said Nirmala Sitharaman.
Prime Minister’s visit to Tiruchirappalli and Rameswaram on Saturday to offer pujas as Sri Ranganatha Swami Temple and Sri Ramanatha Swamy Temple evoked major interest among the people. Thousands had gathered along the thoroughfares to greet the Prime Minister who held road shows in the towns. Many old persons, particularly religious scholars, were seen blessing Narendra Modi reciting slokas from scriptures. “This has rattled the anti-national DMK and hence the decision,” said Sri Priya Iyer.
Though serving police officers feigned ignorance about any such orders, recent statements by ministers Udhayanidi (Stalin’s son) and his sidekicks demanding the destruction of Sanatan Dharma is seen as a threat to the Hindus in the State.