Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi has once again stirred controversy by expressing her disapproval of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Mandir. In a departure from her family’s stance, she criticised the event during meetings organized by minority forums and in public, drawing attention to her divergent views on Hindu dharma and spiritual faith.
Kanimozhi, known for her role in the 2G scam, has been noted for her different approach compared to her father, brother, and son, particularly when it comes to matters related to Hinduism and spiritual beliefs. Her recent comments included an oblique reference to her Scheduled Tribe (ST) background, adding a layer to the discourse.
In her address, Kanimozhi, a prominent figure within the DMK known for her candid expressions, questioned the BJP’s political agenda and accused the party of attempting to exploit religious sentiments. She began by stating, “We are children of Periyar, but tomorrow they are opening a temple in North India. I am not going to talk anything about that temple. I am not even going to ask why the President was not invited to the temple opening ceremony.”
However, her assertion regarding the President’s invitation was swiftly contradicted by evidence that the trust members, led by Nripendra Misra, the former Principal Secretary to PM Modi, had formally extended an invitation.
Undeterred, Kanimozhi continued her attack on the BJP, focusing on the Ram Mandir event. She questioned the legitimacy of opening an incomplete temple and accused the BJP of politicising the process. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the ceremony, she stated, “The PM who is here today will open the temple tomorrow. He is doing ‘kshethradanam.’ We don’t have any problems regarding that. But can a temple be opened without constructing it fully?”
The DMK MP alleged that the BJP, under the guise of saving Hinduism and Sanathana Dharmam, was pushing for control over temples. She pointed out the reluctance of some Shankaracharyas to attend the temple opening and criticized the government for politicizing the event.
Kanimozhi continued her address, expressing concerns over the government’s allocation of resources. She claimed that despite floods devastating parts of Tamil Nadu, the BJP-led central government had failed to provide financial assistance. She accused the Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, of diverting attention by discussing temple staff salaries instead of addressing the urgent needs of flood-affected regions.
Highlighting the alleged discrimination against Tamil Nadu, Kanimozhi emphasized the disparities in financial aid provided to flood-affected regions. She argued that the government’s priorities were evident in its response to disasters in different states, citing the contrasting relief efforts in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
Her impassioned plea continued, “Very soon there should be a change. It is not enough that the change should come in Tamil Nadu alone, in Tamil Nadu it will be 40 out of 40, and there is no doubt about it. But this change should come all over the country. To make that change happen, all these youths should walk to North India, that is enough. That change alone can save this country.”
Kanimozhi concluded her speech by calling for a nationwide change in leadership and urging the youth to mobilise for this cause. Her words encapsulated a broader sentiment of discontent with the central government’s policies and its perceived neglect of Tamil Nadu’s needs.
As the political landscape evolves, Kanimozhi’s address adds fuel to the ongoing discourse surrounding religious and political dynamics in India while also amplifying the demands for change in the leadership at the national level.
