Ministers flay Stalin’s Srirangam temple visit

“I don’t know if it is proper for Stalin to wipe off the Manjal Kappu (turmeric paste) after allowing the temple priests to smear it on his forehead,” said Union Minister Pon Radhakrishna in Nagercoil to reporters. “If Stalin is an atheist as he claims, why should he accept the honour? Who gave Stalin permission to commit an act of profanity and insult God?” the BJP leader asked.

This is insulting the sentiments of Hindus and the temple priests who gave him the honour should be held responsible for the behaviour of Stalin, he added.

He also said that even Periyar, when he was smeared with holy ash by Kundrakudi Adigalar did not erase it and respected the sentiments of the religious head. But, Stalin had disrespected the religious sentiments and he should not be allowed to enter any temple from now, added Radhakrishnan.

Similarly, State IT Minister M Manikandan, too criticised Stalin by saying that people like Stalin speak rationality and follow Periyar’s principles. “He took all measures such as tearing the shirt to become chief minister, but nothing worked out. Now, God had taken him to Srirangam temple and the incident shows the power of God,” said Manikandan.

State Minister for Cooperation Sellur K Raju took a dig at Stalin by saying that he cannot become Chief Minister even though he visits temples. He also said that dynastic politics is prevalent in the DMK and there is no democracy in the party.

It may be noted that Stalin, an avowed rationalist, made a stopover at the ancient Sri Ranganathaswamy temple on Friday last and accepted the traditional honour by priests.

The DMK leader, though, did not enter the temple. Priests and other temple staffers were given dhotis and some cash on his behalf as a mark of respect.

Early this year, Stalin had also said that DMK, which has traditionally claimed itself to be an outfit following atheistic principles, did not believe in criticizing private religious beliefs of people, whether it was Hinduism or any other faith.