No hidden intention in removing paintings: Virudhunagar Collector

The election conduct rules were brought into effect as soon as the Lok Sabha election dates were announced.

The historic Srivilliputhur Andal temple has paintings depicting temple history and facts. It also has decorative floral rangolis painted in front of entrance and also around the sanctum sanctorum.

DSP Raja, requested the temple authorities to remove the floral paintings that depicted lotus which happens to BJP's party symbol, citing the electoral rules.

The temple authorities immediately removed the paintings that resembled lotus symbols using limestone mixture and replaced them with other paintings which created stir among devotees and various Hindu activists.

Srivilliputhur Jeeyar Sadagopa Ramanuja said that removing the paintings is condemnable and it has hurt their sentiments. 

Virudhunagar District Collector and electoral officer Sivanganam, said that an enquiry is being conducted in this regard. He added that rules prevent electoral propaganda in religious places and schools and that it is not necessary to remove the permanent paintings.

Collector Sivanganam further said that the DSP had only advised that the lotus paintings might come under scrutiny as per electoral rules and it was the temple authorities' decision to remove.

Further, he stated that it was not intentional and that they are ensuring that the electoral rules are implemented throughout the district.