On February 18, while speaking at the second day of International Temples Convention & Expo (ITCX) 2025 in Tirupati, Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai pledged that once the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) comes to power in the state, all 44,121 mandirs will be liberated from the clutches of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Act. Annamalai assured that temple-generated revenues would be redirected towards civic and developmental projects surrounding these sacred institutions, emphasising the “unimaginable potential of temple economics and development.”
Annamalai asserted that liberating mandir from state control is essential for Bharat’s economic revival. He criticised the HR&CE Act for suffocating temple economies, preventing them from reaching their full potential in benefiting local communities. Citing the Tirumala Mandir market valuation of approximately Rs 2.5 lakh crore—surpassing many prominent national and international organisations—he illustrated how temple wealth could be harnessed for greater societal impact.
“If mandirs are allowed to operate freely, we can fund schools, engineering colleges, civic infrastructure, and even centers of scientific excellence,” he said, underlining how historical temple economies during the Chola era functioned as hubs of economic and social life. He stressed that mandirs, if empowered, could unite Bharat by fostering spiritual fraternity and preserving Sanatana Dharma.
Tamil Nadu’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department, which controls mandirs and their resources, has long been a contentious issue. Hindu activists and BJP leaders argue that this department has mismanaged temple funds while diverting resources away from the Hindu community. Annamalai lambasted the HR&CE department for failing to protect sacred sites, citing the collapse of the East Gate entrance tower of the Srirangam Ranganathar Temple as evidence of state negligence.
“The moment the BJP assumes power in Tamil Nadu, the HR&CE department will cease to exist,” Annamalai declared, promising that temple administration would be handed back to devotees.
In November 2023, in a direct challenge to Dravidian politics, Annamalai had vowed to remove the statue of EV Ramasamy Naicker (Periyar) from outside the Srirangam Ranganathar mandir and other mandirs across Tamil Nadu. He denounced the presence of an atheist figure near a sacred Hindu site as an affront to the faith of millions.
“When the DMK came to power in 1967, they installed a plaque outside the Ranganathar mandir that insults Hindus by stating, ‘Those who believe in God are idiots, cheats. Don’t believe in God.’ Is this how they respect the faith of our people?” he questioned.
He announced that upon BJP’s rise to power, such plaques and Periyar statues would be replaced with those of revered Tamil scholars, sants, and freedom fighters, including the Azhwars and Nayanmars. The BJP, he stated, would restore the spiritual and cultural dignity of mandir sites.
Periyar’s Anti-Hindu Agenda
Known as the ‘Father of the Dravidian movement,’ Periyar openly antagonised Hindu beliefs. In 1953, he organised mass desecrations of Bhagwan Ganesha murtis, and in 1956, he led public burnings of images of Shri Rama. Even after his death in 1973, his followers continued anti-Hindu activities, including organising “Ravana Leela” to denigrate Hindu epics.
Despite strong protests from Hindu organisations, the 12-foot-high Periyar statue was installed outside the Ranganathar mandir in 2006 by Dravidar Kazhagam (DK), a known anti-Hindu outfit. Hindu groups condemned the move, arguing that placing an atheist’s statue outside a mandir was an intentional insult to the faith. In December 2006, tensions escalated as activists from Indhu Makkal Katchi (IMK) damaged a cement statue of Periyar, leading to widespread violence.
Annamalai took direct aim at the ruling DMK, accusing it of systematically erasing Hindu symbols and traditions. He pointed to the removal of BJP flags and the destruction of lotus statues within the Srirangam mandir—a move he linked to DMK’s deep-seated fear of the BJP’s growing influence.
“Lotus is not just a symbol of the BJP; it represents Ma Lakshmi, Ma Saraswati, and is our national flower. The DMK’s actions prove their disdain for our culture and heritage,” he stated.
Further, he criticised the HR&CE department for treating sacred institutions as bureaucratic entities, revealing that it attempted to appoint the 51st Ranganarayana Jeer of Srirangam Ranganathar mandir using standard administrative procedures.
At the ITCX 2025, Annamalai also praised the efforts of mandir Connect and spiritual leaders for advancing the mandir economy movement. The conference saw discussions on mandir education, governance, and emerging technologies to improve mandir management. Former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) trust board member J Sekhar Reddy was felicitated for his contributions to Hindu Sanatana Dharma.
