Responding to the Coimbatore South MLA Vanathi Srinivasan's allegation that he had trespassed into the sanctum sanctorum of Palani Dandayuthapani temple,Minister of Charitable Endowments of Tamil Nadu, P K Sekar Babu quipped that it was MLA Vanathi Srinivasan's habit to publish mischievous news in order to appear in the media.
Coimbatore: Minister of Charitable Endowments of Tamil Nadu, P K Sekar Babu has stated that Vanathi Srinivasan's habit was to publish mischievous news for the sake of being in the media glare.
The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department Minister P K Sekar Babu inaugurated the newly-constructed bathtub for an elephant at the Perur Patteeswara Swamy temple in Coimbatore district.
Following this, Minister P K Sekar Babu participated in the function held at Perur Adinam to distribute Shivadeeksai to students of the Priest and Oduvar Training School.
Later speaking to reporters, Minister P K Sekar Babu said, "It is heartening to see that 84 priests and reciters have been given 'dikshita.' In 2006, former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi issued a Government order to start archaka training schools. Later in 2007, the priests' training schools were opened. In the past, schools were in a state of poor quality for students to train."
"Meanwhile, Chief Minister M K Stalin has ordered the upgradation of these schools and the opening of new schools. Subsequently, 15 schools were opened to train at Level 5. 210 students are undergoing training in these schools. This event is an example of the Tamil fragrance everywhere and Tamil Nadu becoming the foremost in spirituality.
Out of the 27 temples under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, 29 elephants are maintained. Bathtubs and footpaths for walking have also been set up for elephants. Food is provided as per the doctor's recommendation. This Government is not only a state for human beings but also sees to the welfare of elephants," added Minister P K Sekar Babu.
The Minister reiterated that the Government was fulfilling the basic needs of the devotees by removing the slackness in the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. Responding to a question on the BJP legislator Vanathi Srinivasan's allegation that Minister Sekhar Babu had trespassed into the sanctum sanctorum of the Palani Dandayuthapani Temple, Minister P K Sekar Babu replied, "It is her habit to publish mischievous news in order to be in the media glare.
Kumbabishegam was performed at the Palani Dandayuthapani Temple in a grand manner to the appreciation of even those abroad. It is very sad that her meaningless message has been published and a black spot created out of it."
Similarly, on the question of the pen statue, Minister P K Sekar Babu said, "We are not threatening or criticising anyone. When Naam Tamilar Katchi Coordinator Seeman says that he is breaking the pen, what do you think will our hands be doing - pluck flowers? There's nothing wrong with asking that. Should we remain silent without answering? If Seeman talks of breaking the pen statue, as the Minister will I say break it and then have fun?" questioned the Minister.
"Unnecessary news is being published because it has created a situation of equality for all and has crippled those who earn income from the temple. A master plan has been prepared for Palani. The Chief Minister has approved it. The elephant rejuvenation camp has become unnecessary. All facilities have been provided to the elephants in the temples itself," he added.
"Preparations for the Shivaratri festival are going on well. It will be held in five places in a grand manner. The trustee of the Maruthamalai temple will be appointed soon. Trustees have been appointed for 17 temples. They will soon be appointed in all temples.
Special fees will be waived off in temples and pujas will be performed in such a way that it is not affected. Steps will be taken to reduce the special fee in a phased manner. The tender for the construction of a lift at the Maruthamalai temple has been completed. The work will begin next month," detailed Minister P K Sekar Babu spoken.