Hindu organisations in Kerala are on agitation mode as the 2008 Bengaluru serial bomb blast case prime accused Abdul Nassar Madani has been invited to a temple as the chief guest. Power broker Nandakumar, known for his close association with former Chief Minister and CPM leader VS Achuthanandan, is the chief organiser of the event and one of the temple trustees
Managing committee of a temple in Kochi has invited Abdul Nasar Madani to grace a function in connection with the consecration of the renovated temple. Thaikkattu Shiva temple in Vennala, Kochi, is in the eye of a storm for elevating Madani to the status of an esteemed guest in a temple function. The committee shot off a letter to the fundamentalist leader Madani who is incarcerated in Bangaluru jail in connection with the Bangaluru bomb blast.
If the words of Kumar and his close associates are to be believed he had very good rapport with the union ministers and ministries during UPA-I and UPA II. The local people and his friends believe that he was very powerful until Modi regime took over. They say, the renovation of the temple solely depended on him; they mean that he had lot of resources to tap for the funds amounting to several crores. This correspondent understands that the invitation to Madani was extended by him on the letter headed stationery of the temple committee sans the knowledge of other committee members. And, no one takes up the matter with him. Some of them are afraid, if they object, they will be shown the door. Some others believe that it is all publicity stunts of Kumar. They think, Kumar knows that Madani would not come, but the newsflashes will raise the publicity of the temple. In another words, a ‘mere marketing strategy’. They believe that this man brought the funds to renovate the temple; they express their helplessness.
But, Madani has the last laugh. The invitation from the temple committee will help him in his legal matters. His lawyer can argue before the honourable court that Madani is a secular man; that is why a temple committee from Kerala invited him to participate in the consecration of a renovated ancient Hindu temple and, he did reply expressing his extreme pleasure ….. this being the case how he be blamed to be terrorist, anti-Hindu or anti-national extremist …….. !! Definitely it will weaken the prosecution.
But, Hindu organisations have already come out with stiff opposition. They would not let Madani enter the temple premises. Their opposition is not to his religion but to his anti-national and anti-Hindu postures. They refer to his old speeches against Hinduism, temple, festivals, etc. That means, a reckless act of a power broker has pushed the Hindu community to hot soup.
