Chennai, Sep 7 (IANS) Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran on Monday urged Chief Minister Vijay to ensure the protection of Hindu religious symbols and practices, alleging that a series of incidents had caused growing concern among devotees across the state. He also asked the CM to ensure all communities get equal respect.
His appeal followed the burning of a vehicle carrying 108 ceremonial “Victory Vels” near Neithavoyal in Minjur, close to Chennai.
The sacred spears were reportedly being transported from Siruvapuri to the six abodes of Lord Murugan when unidentified persons set the vehicle ablaze.
Flags being carried in the name of a spiritual political organisation were also destroyed in the fire, Nagenthran said in a statement.
Describing the images of the flags and religious objects going up in flames as distressing, he demanded that the police identify those responsible and initiate legal action without delay.
The BJP leader also referred to the disappearance of an emerald Murugan idol, reportedly worth several crore rupees, from an area near Madurantakam in Chengalpattu district.
He said both developments had caused anxiety among devotees and required a decisive response from the authorities.
However, his statement did not provide further information about the circumstances surrounding the missing idol or indicate whether the two incidents were connected.
Nagenthran accused the administration of failing to accord equal respect to Hindu beliefs. He cited restrictions on lighting lamps at Thiruparankundram and questioned how religious harmony could be strengthened without an even-handed approach towards different faiths.
He further alleged that the government was imposing restrictions on Hindu religious practices.
The accusation formed part of his broader criticism that the administration was acting selectively under the guise of secularism.
Nagenthran warned that repeated attacks on Hindu symbols and what he described as the suppression of religious expression could have serious consequences.
A failure to act firmly against those involved in such incidents would only embolden anti-social elements, he added.
The BJP state president called upon Vijay to ensure that Hindu places of worship, religious objects and traditions received adequate protection.
Safeguarding minorities alone would not constitute genuine secular governance, he argued, stressing that every religious community in Tamil Nadu should receive equal treatment, respect and security.
—IANS
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