Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple’s upcoming kumbabhishekam has “no politics” involved, Electricity Minister Nirmalkumar said on Tuesday, responding to allegations raised by members of the temple’s trustee body.
The minister, along with HR&CE Minister Ramesh, inspected the preparations and said the arrangements were “100% complete”. Officials from various departments are working in two shifts, and measures have been put in place to prevent power outages and restore supply within two minutes if any disruption occurs.
Nirmalkumar said public access to the temple’s upper level has been regulated through a lottery-based selection, with passes issued for 2,000 people. He maintained that the government had not interfered in the pass process and said he had not even seen the passes.
He added that kumbabhishekam arrangements are the responsibility of the temple administration and cannot be influenced by outsiders. The minister said he would contact the trustees to hear their concerns and ensure their requirements are addressed.
Separately, Tamil oduvars led by Salem Sathyabama staged a sit-in near the Amman shrine on Chithirai Street, alleging they were not given due importance and were not allowed into the sanctum. After talks with Nirmalkumar, HR&CE Minister Ramesh said 27 government-recognised Tamil oduvars have been at the temple since September 11 and that they would be permitted to perform rituals, enter the sanctum and take part in key proceedings, reiterating that priority would be given to Tamil.
