In a strategic move aimed at courting the Hindu electorate and countering accusations of minority appeasement, the Dravidian Model government in Tamil Nadu has announced plans to host the World Muthamizh Murugan Conference at the revered Palani Murugan Temple in Dindigul district.
The announcement comes amidst growing criticism from Hindu groups over perceived neglect and appeasement of minority communities by the ruling DMK government, especially with the looming Lok Sabha elections on the horizon. The move is seen as a calculated attempt to address concerns of Hindu voters and potentially counter efforts by the BJP to polarize Hindu votes.
Chief Minister M K Stalin, leading the Dravidian model government widely perceived as Hindu-phobic, revealed plans for the conference, slated for June or July 2024. The event aims to bring together devotees of Lord Murugan from across the globe, symbolising the government’s purported support for Hindu sentiments.
Hindu Religious Charities Minister P.K. Sekar Babu, during a press briefing in Chennai, emphasized the significance of the conference in uniting Murugan devotees worldwide. “To bring together all the Murugan devotees from across the world for Tamil God Murugan, we will hold a World Murugan Conference in Palani. We are a government that says what it does and does what it says,” stated Babu.
The two-day conference is expected to witness the participation of trustees from Murugan temples worldwide, showcasing the global reverence for Lord Murugan, also known as the Tamil God. Discussions, seminars, and lectures on various aspects of Murugan worship and mythology are being planned to enrich the spiritual experience of attendees.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is scheduled to inaugurate the conference, further underlining the government’s commitment to Hindu-centric initiatives. Details regarding the event’s date are yet to be finalised, with organisers expected to provide updates soon.
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The announcement of the World Murugan Conference follows the recent establishment of the Hindu Religious Charities Advisory Board, aimed at implementing key welfare initiatives for temple workers. These developments underscore the DMK government’s efforts to assuage Hindu sentiments and garner support ahead of the upcoming elections.
The announcement of the World Muthamizh Murugan Conference by the Dravidian Model government in Tamil Nadu has sparked controversy and criticism, with detractors accusing the ruling party of pursuing a divisive agenda and neglecting Hindu sentiments.
Critics point to a series of incidents and statements by DMK leaders, including CM Stalin and his associates, which they claim demonstrate a pattern of Hindu disenfranchisement and favoritism towards minority communities. Allegations range from disrespecting Hindu traditions and symbols to prioritising the interests of non-Hindu groups over the majority population.
In particular, critics highlight remarks made by Dravidian Stockist and alleged spiritual discourser Suki Sivam, along with DMK members, questioning the distinction between Lord Muruga and Subrahmanya, perpetuating narratives of Aryan-Dravidian divisions. They also cite instances of derogatory remarks and actions towards Hindu beliefs and practices, such as the abuse of Lord Murugan and the Kandha Sashti Kavasam hymn by individuals associated with the DMK.
Furthermore, detractors point to CM Stalin’s refusal to accept sacred ash at the memorial of Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar, his criticism of Hindu marriage rituals during a Muslim gathering, and his failure to extend greetings to Hindus during festivals. They also raise concerns about the government’s apparent alignment with Christian and Muslim interests, including invitations to churches and mosques for discussions on minority-focused projects and the alleged preferential treatment of Muslim prisoners.
The timing of the Murugan conference amidst these controversies has raised suspicions among critics, who question the government’s motives and accuse it of attempting to de-Hinduize Lord Murugan. They argue that the emphasis on Tamil God Murugan and the invitation of “Murugan’s ardent devotees” deepen the narrative of Aryan-Dravidian divisions and serve the political agenda of Udhayanidhi Stalin and his associates.
Despite criticism, DMK leaders, including Hindu Religious Charities Minister P.K. Sekar Babu, maintain that the government is committed to its promises and initiatives. However, critics remain skeptical, asserting that the DMK’s actions are driven solely by political gain and minority appeasement.
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