Tamil Nadu's Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister, P K Sekarbabu, launched a sharp critique against senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader H Raja on Sunday. The minister condemned what he termed as 'provocative dialogues' in a film featuring Raja, alleging an intent to sow communal division.
Allegations of Communal Provocation
Addressing reporters in Chennai, Sekarbabu, a prominent DMK leader, stated that Raja's actions were deliberately designed to divide people along communal lines. He expressed strong disapproval of the content in the movie titled 'Kandhan Malai', which notably bypassed theatrical release and was made available directly on YouTube. "This itself is a reflection of the movie's quality," Sekarbabu remarked, questioning the film's standards and reach.
The minister elaborated on his accusations against the BJP leader, drawing a contrast in political ideologies. "We (DMK) don't identify people on the lines of religion or caste," Sekarbabu asserted. He then claimed, "But, if you (reporters) ask questions to him (Raja), he will ask to which religion you belong. His intention is to divide people on communal lines." This, according to the minister, underscores a fundamental difference in approach between the ruling DMK and the opposition BJP in Tamil Nadu.
DMK's Record on Temple Management
Countering potential narratives about the DMK government's stance on Hindu religious affairs, Sekarbabu highlighted a series of temple-related initiatives. He announced that a "spiritual revolution" was underway in the state under the incumbent administration.
The minister provided specific data to substantiate his claim:
- The number of temples where consecration (Kumbabhishekam) ceremonies have been performed is nearing 4,000.
- Additionally, 24 temples across Tamil Nadu that had sunk below ground level are being carefully lifted and restored using specialized machinery.
These points are seen as a direct rebuttal to frequent allegations from BJP and other right-wing groups accusing the DMK of being indifferent or hostile to Hindu interests.
Political Repercussions and Context
This verbal clash is the latest in a series of political skirmishes between the DMK and the BJP in Tamil Nadu. The controversy surrounding 'Kandhan Malai' and H Raja's involvement brings the debate on communal rhetoric in political discourse back to the forefront. By focusing on the film's YouTube-only release, Sekarbabu also implicitly questioned its legitimacy and mainstream acceptance.
The minister's detailed listing of temple works serves a dual purpose: it aims to solidify the DMK's credentials on managing Hindu religious institutions while simultaneously deflecting criticism. This incident is likely to fuel further political debate in the state, with both parties using it to rally their respective support bases ahead of future electoral battles.
