Ponnar defends yagams held for rains

Addressing reporters at Chennai airport, Radhakrishnan said, “Prayers for rain are conducted in places of worship belonging to other religions and similarly, prayers can be conducted in temples too. There is nothing wrong in conducting prayers as the state is in need of rain.” There was a huge controversy on the state government conducting prayers in temples across the state for rain.

Opposition parties and rational organisations have condemned the prayers in temples by stating that state should not promote unscientific methods for getting rains.However, the BJP, alliance partner of the AIADMK, has been defending the state government over the conduct of such prayers.

“The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department is a state government department and all the temples in the state are under the department. How can the state be criticised for conducting prayers in temples,” questioned Radhakrishnan.

He also said that in the disposal of nuclear wastes issue, the Centre will not take any decision against the interests of the people and only vested interests are voicing against the project.

“People have turned scientists overnight and are expressing their opinion on the nuclear waste disposal issue. If the Union government finds the project harmful for the people it will not proceed with it,” said Radhakrishnan.