Thanjavur: Hindu Makkal Katchi leader Arjun Sampath on Sunday alleged that “Christians and atheists” who have entered the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department are attempting to separate Agama traditions from temples.
He was speaking to reporters after taking part in the fifth annual Thirukkudai Ubaya Utsavam procession and a ceremonial umbrella offering event organised by the party’s service wing, the Hindu Dharma Seva Trust, at the Oppiyappan Temple in Kumbakonam.
Sampath said certain developments in Tamil Nadu were hurting the sentiments of devotees. Referring to a recent controversy, he claimed that Social Justice Minister Vanniyarasu, associated with the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, had created tension by speaking about cooking beef for hostel students, and noted that Puthiya Tamilagam leader Krishnasamy had announced a protest demanding the remarks be withdrawn.
He also pointed to an HR&CE consultation scheduled for October 10, where a committee is expected to classify temples under the department as Agama and non-Agama temples. Sampath said his party would bring priests, temple functionaries and Agama scholars to place their views and “defeat” what he described as an attempt to divide Agama practices.
On by-elections, he criticised the process and alleged that the ruling party and others were misusing government machinery and distributing money. He said voters would deliver an appropriate response.
