Salem, Tamil Nadu: A major controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu’s Salem district after Tehsildar Nagoor Meeran allotted government land adjacent to the Karuppannar Swamy Temple for Muslim prayers, triggering protests from Hindu locals and raising allegations of “Land Jihad.” The move has led to heated exchanges between community members, police intervention, and calls for government action to rescind the decision.
The incident took place in Ayyankaatu Valivu near Theevattipatti, where the Karuppannar Swamy Temple, an important religious site for local Hindus, has existed for generations. The temple, known for its animal sacrifice rituals, is deeply revered by the community. On March 26, a team of revenue officials led by Kadaiyampatti Tehsildar Nagoor Meeran arrived with a surveyor to demarcate a 1.63-acre piece of dry land adjacent to the temple. When questioned by concerned locals, the Tehsildar reportedly stated that the land was being allotted for Muslims to offer namaz twice a day.
https://twiiter.com/ThiBharat/status/1905671253916352949
As soon as the news spread, locals and devotees strongly opposed the decision, arguing that allowing a prayer site so close to a Hindu temple could lead to future communal tensions. Villagers raised concerns that the move could pave the way for future claims over temple land, potentially threatening their religious practices.
Public Protest and Police Mediation
The protest escalated, with locals confronting revenue officials and demanding an immediate rollback of the allotment. Hindu Munnani leaders Muthusamu and Shanmugam lodged a complaint with the police, alleging that Tehsildar Nagoor Meeran was acting like a Jamaath functionary and had ignored public objections. The leaders accused him of religious bias, stating that he facilitated the land allocation to Muslims while disregarding Hindu sentiments.
A local woman, Indirani (55), also submitted a police complaint, warning that the decision could ignite communal clashes and demanding the cancellation of the allotment. In response, Theevattipatti police attempted to mediate and restore calm between both communities. Revenue officials, however, proceeded to install boundary markers on the land, reinforcing public fears that the process was moving forward despite objections.
‘Land Jihad’ Allegations and Political Reactions
Critics have labeled the move as part of a larger pattern of “Land Jihad,” alleging that certain government officials are working in favor of Muslim interests at the expense of Hindu heritage sites. The incident has also reignited debates over the Tamil Nadu Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government’s stance on the Waqf Board and its opposition to recent amendments proposed by the Modi government.
The DMK-led Tamil Nadu government recently passed a resolution opposing the Centre’s Waqf Board amendment bill, claiming that the changes would “betray Muslim interests” and increase government control over Waqf properties. The bill, however, has drawn attention to the extensive land holdings of the Waqf Board in Tamil Nadu. According to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, India has the highest number of Waqf properties in the world, with Tamil Nadu alone having 734 properties under dispute due to illegal encroachments on Hindu lands and temples.
A Question of Priorities?
Amidst the controversy, many are questioning why the government is prioritising the allocation of land for Muslim prayers next to a Hindu temple, especially in light of the ongoing legal disputes over Waqf land encroachments. Critics argue that the DMK government’s appeasement policies are driven by electoral considerations ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Furthermore, the Tamil Nadu government has faced criticism for its preferential treatment of the Muslim community. Recently, the DMK announced a special allotment of 7,920 metric tons of raw rice worth ₹18.41 crore to mosques for Ramzan fasting. While Pongal hampers are given to all communities, the additional provision of rice to Muslims has been seen as an act of blatant vote bank politics.
Muslims First, Governance Later?
Political observers have noted that Tamil Nadu’s DMK administration has consistently placed Muslim interests above others in governance decisions. Critics argue that many Muslim bureaucrats and officials in key positions prioritize their religious identity when making policy decisions. A growing section of the public now believes that such actions, if left unchecked, could deepen communal rifts in the state.
Questions have also been raised about the broader implications of land allocations near Hindu temples. The concern is that what starts as a small prayer space could eventually lead to claims of ownership, restricting temple activities and forcing Hindus to vacate their own religious spaces.
Call for Government Intervention
As the controversy continues to unfold, Hindu groups and concerned citizens are calling upon the District Magistrate to intervene and revoke the land allotment. They argue that such decisions should not be taken unilaterally by government officials without consulting local communities, especially when they affect sensitive religious sites.
ஒரு தாசில்தாரின்
உச்சபச்ச மதவெறி..! pic.twitter.com/VrbKPJxvmw— Chinnappa Ganesan (@directorganesan) March 28, 2025
Critics say Muslims would place their religions first wherever they are employed be it government, police . Even if employed in defence their royalty would be to Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and other Muslims countries. How could revenue allot a land next to temples where festivals, sacrificing of animals taking place regularly? Are they bereft of brains. It can be a government land? It is nothing but a rank appeasement eyeing their votes for the 2026 assembly elections. The bill adopted in the assembly won’t get Governor’s assent. They know it. But hoodwink the Muslims that they are their saviours”.
Critics condemn” the DMK government for giving Ramzan hampers to Muslims. For the benefit of the fasting muslims during “Ramzan” month, DMK Government make special allotment of 7,920 MT Raw rice to all mosques worth Rs. 18.41 crore. During Pongal, though no Muslims or Christians celebrate the festival, they are along with Hindu getting pongal hampers. Now rice besides the hampers meant appeasement and aimed at their votes”
முதலமைச்சரின் தொகுதியான கொளத்தூரில் இன்று நடைபெற்ற #இஸ்லாமியர் களுக்கான #ரம்ஜான் பரிசு தொகுப்பு,,,
ஆம் இது எல்லாருக்கும்மான #ஆட்சி அதற்காகத்தான் பொங்கலுக்கு நமக்கு #இந்து க்களுக்கு #பொங்கல் தொகுப்பு எதுவும் வழங்கவில்லை.. pic.twitter.com/CbZnQKkLax
— இந்துத்துவா 🚩 (@Hindutva_Dr) March 29, 2025
In a Similar attempt, Karamadai, Mettupalayam taluk , Coimbatore district, Revenue Inspector P Senthil Kumar alias Sathiq who is said to be converted to Islam but still keeping Hindu identity, misuses his powers violating official secret act. It is alleged that he part with government confidential documents to Muslims . aacording to a complaint by an Advocate Sivapukazh, Coimbatore east district president of Hindu Munnai “ They land documents belonging to Hindus which help Muslims to claim it as Waqf lands. His actions are causing loss to exchequer. He has converted Hindu lands as waqf lands. He was transferred to Karamadai despite unfavourable intelligence reports.
The district magistrate Pavan Kumar, DRO Sharmila and RDO Govindan are also helping him by misusing their powers. The gang converting government lands as waqf properties. Eg. Nearly 17 acres of land in Archana Avenue in Sikkarampalayam village has now been converted as waqf property. Muslims are claiming it is their property. Source say, Through a letter, RI Senthil Kumar alias Sathiq RC no.786/2022/B2/CBE dt 21-02-2002 converted 1000 acres of Hindus land as waqf land . Advocate Sivapugazh, has alerted ad lodged a complaint with NIA who are probing the same. He has already written to Deputy Superintendent of Police who is yet start probe urging him to retrieve the lands illegally converted and classified as waqf land by Senthilkumar and two VAOs”.
In Marungaur, DMK government, according to post by Chinnappa Ganesan, transferring lands of Hindus and Murugan Temple and changing pattas to Christians .
மருங்கூர் முருகன் கோயில் சொத்தில் கிறிஸ்தவர்களுக்கு பட்டா..!
கோவில் சொத்துக்களை சூறையாடும் ஸ்டாலின் அரசு..!
கொந்தளிப்பில் இந்துக்கள்..!
– Chinnappa Ganesan
YouTube LINK : https://t.co/Wqv0Z4Ujld pic.twitter.com/VlB93gZsDs
— Chinnappa Ganesan (@directorganesan) March 27, 2025
People of Aadhanur in Thanjavur district shocked to find sudden overnight appearance of holy cross on the public footpath. They fear this is an attempt to change the place into a cemetery. The rath of SriVeemaNayagi would pass through this path. Hindu Munnani has lodged a complaint with the police and revenue authorities in January this year.
in another video, an inspector of police can be heard of saying “ i have studied in the convent. I know the father. I am also belong to this denomination. Pl accept and adjust with him. It is better for you. Otherwise you will face trouble”. This Christian inspector works for his religion not for the public.
இவன் எப்படி அனைத்து மக்களுக்கும் பொவாக தனது வேலையை செய்வார்..??
திருப்பாரம் குன்றம் மேட்டர்ல ஒரு ஹிந்து போலீஸ் காரனும் இப்பிடி பேசலியே..!!🙄🙄 pic.twitter.com/ZLkaSoHsm3
— н α я ι (@Hari46620091) February 12, 2025
MDMK Trichy MP Durai Vaiko has built a hall at the Trichy Airport for Muslims to do Namaz which he opened it in January this year. He is supposed to be a representative of people of all religion but he favours only Muslims.
Critics say “In Tamil Nadu, politicians, police, revenue officials and government are vying with each other in according special status and services to minorities at the cost of majority only for their votes. From hosting iftar parties, wearing skull caps, raining benefits, greeting on their festivals , allotting temple and government lands to build mosque, churches, extending funds for maintenance, financial help for mosque and church employees including priests are nothing but rank appeasement”
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