In a move that has stirred widespread criticism, the DMK-led Dravidian model government in Tamil Nadu has imposed a ban on special pujas, reciting Ram bhajans, and other related events on January 22nd, coinciding with the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. This decision has sparked outrage among Hindu devotees, with many expressing concern over what they perceive as a continuation of the government’s alleged Hindu-phobic stance.
This move follows a series of controversial actions by the DMK government, including their sana tana dharma eradication campaign, interference with temple rituals and agamas, targeted demolition of Hindu temples, and a notable increase in temple entrance fees – a measure criticised for potentially denying access to temples for the economically disadvantaged.
The impending grand event of the Ayodhya Ram Temple inauguration, the culmination of a five-hundred-year-old legal battle, has become a focal point for nationwide anticipation. Elaborate preparations, meticulous down to the minutest details, have been underway to ensure the success of this historic occasion. State governments across India have declared holidays, some even half-days, allowing devotees to gather in temples or public spaces to witness the monumental ceremony.
However, amidst the nationwide enthusiasm, controversies have emerged in states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, casting shadows over the festive atmosphere.
Kerala’s Alleged TV Blackout and Power Disruption
Reports circulating on social media claim that former Lok Sabha Member and Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader from Kerala, PK Biju, has purportedly urged people not to switch on their TVs on January 22, the day of the Ram Temple consecration ceremony. The unverified claim suggests that the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) is planning a major maintenance activity on that day, potentially disrupting power supply across the state. Some sources also allege that Biju encouraged teachers to show images of the Babri Masjid to children. The authenticity of these claims remains unverified.
DMK’s Restrictions in Tamil Nadu
Taking a cue from Kerala, Tamil Nadu’s DMK-led government has stirred controversy by reportedly banning special events, including pujas, Ramayana recitals, chanting of “Jai Sri Ram,” bhajans, and Anna Dhan (charitable food distribution to the poor) on the day of the Ram Temple inauguration. The government has issued verbal and oral directives to temple employees, warning of strict action for any deviations.
Hindu outfits, devotees, social activists, and political parties across Tamil Nadu had been planning events at various levels for the past fortnight with their own funds. However, the government’s prohibition has dealt what some perceive as a severe blow.
The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) department, criticised for its alleged anti-Hindu stance, has issued oral orders to its officials, instructing them not to permit any special events in temple premises or nearby areas. The department emphasised that no events, whether organised by the temple, devotees, political parties, or others, should be allowed. It explicitly stated that no posters, banners, handbills, or live streaming of the event through giant TV screens would be permitted. Violations could lead to departmental actions against the responsible temple officials.
The restrictions imposed by the DMK government have sparked outrage among Hindu devotees, social activists, and political circles across Tamil Nadu. The controversy surrounding the preparations for the Ram Temple inauguration underscores the delicate balance between governance, religious freedom, and public sentiment, prompting debates about the role of the state in regulating religious practices. As the nation awaits the historic moment, these developments continue to fuel discussions and raise concerns about the potential impact on communal harmony.
In a recent development in Thoothukudi district, a Sub-inspector of police has sparked controversy by denying permission for special events at the Thenthiruperai Perumal Temple, citing potential law and order problems. The temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, falls under the control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) department. The decision to deny permission has led to a clash between the police and BJP functionaries, who have vowed to proceed with their planned programmes.
The Sub-inspector, in a written communication staed that the letter seeking permission should have been submitted 15 days in advance. He pointed out that prohibitory orders were in force under section 30(2) of the Police Act of 1861 in Srivaikundam and other places. The officer emphasized that any violation would be dealt with legally.
However, BJP functionaries expressed their defiance of the ruling, asserting that they would carry on with their scheduled events. Naryanan Thirupathi, BJP state vice president, criticised the denial of permission, highlighting the arrangements made for special poojas and bhajans. He revealed that a letter seeking permission had been submitted by a BJP ward member, Revathi, on behalf of the people from Thenthiruperai village.
Thirupathi argued against the denial, stating that the Thenthiruperai residents intended to conduct programmes outside the parikrama. He criticised the government for what he claimed was the first-ever ban on temple rituals citing law and order and the 15-day notice requirement. Thirupathi challenged the authority of the HR and CE, claiming it to be a supervisory body and not the owner of temples, citing precedents set by the Supreme Court in several cases.
Accusing the Sub-inspector of issuing an illegal letter, Thirupathi asserted that obtaining permission was also against the law. He referred to Article 25, which guarantees the right of people to follow their customs as per their religion. Thirupathi condemned the government’s alleged attempt to suppress events by labelling them as potential law and order issues.
Senior BJP leader H Raja took to Twitter to condemn the DMK government’s actions through its HR and CE department officials, describing the banning of temple events as shocking and against the anticipation of a historic event.
Amidst the unfolding controversy, devotees questioned the government’s authority to ban special pujas at temples, asking under what sections of the law and which acts permitted such actions. They expressed dismay that the government, which allows events related to minorities even during pandemic days, was stopping all festivals, particularly those of the Hindu community.
Critics pointed out the selective nature of the government’s restrictions, highlighting instances where temple consecrations were halted due to demands for cuts from organisers. The HR and CE department faced criticism for its focus on generating revenue from temples rather than fulfilling its mandated duties. Allegations were made regarding missing temple lands, encroachments, alienations, and leases to politicians and minorities at throwaway prices.
BJP leader Annamalai’s call for a white paper on these issues went unanswered, as the government claimed credit for renovations and consecrations funded by donations and temple funds.
நாளைய தினம் அயோத்தியில் ஸ்ரீராமர் திருவுருவச் சிலை, நமது மாண்புமிகு பாரதப் பிரதமர் திரு @narendramodi அவர்களால் பிரதிஷ்டை செய்யப்படுவதை அடுத்து, நாடே விழாக்கோலம் பூண்டுள்ளது. சாதி மத வேறுபாடின்றி, மக்கள் அனைவரும் இந்த புண்ணிய தினத்தை வரவேற்கின்றனர். பல ஆண்டு காலமாக நாட்டு மக்கள்…
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) January 21, 2024
Denouncing the action of Tamil Nadu government, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took to X and said, “TN govt has banned watching live telecast of #AyodhaRamMandir programmes of 22 Jan 24. In TN there are over 200 temples for Shri Ram. In HR&CE managed temples no puja/bhajan/prasadam/annadanam in the name of Shri Ram is 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.”
TN govt has banned watching live telecast of #AyodhaRamMandir programmes of 22 Jan 24. In TN there are over 200 temples for Shri Ram. In HR&CE managed temples no puja/bhajan/prasadam/annadanam in the name of Shri Ram is allowed. Police are stopping privately held temples also… pic.twitter.com/G3tNuO97xS
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) January 21, 2024
The critics further pointed out instances of the government imposing restrictions on national flag marches, idol installations, and processions during festivals. They criticized the government’s biased and anti-Hindu stance, suggesting that these actions would be remembered during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
As tensions rise between the government and BJP functionaries, the controversy surrounding the denial of permission for temple events in Tamil Nadu continues to unfold. The clash between religious practices and perceived law and order concerns sets the stage for a broader discussion on the rights of religious communities and the government’s role in regulating cultural and spiritual events.
