KS Alagiri accuses Modi of inciting communal tensions in TN

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president, KS Alagiri, accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of attempting to incite communal passions in the otherwise peaceful state of Tamil Nadu. Alagiri strongly criticised the PM’s recent accusations regarding the alleged misuse of revenue generated by temples under the control of state governments in South India. Alagiri expressed his concerns, stating that Prime Minister Modi’s purported intentions to fuel sectarian violence in Tamil Nadu, a state known for its tranquility, would never come to fruition. He specifically addressed the PM’s allegations regarding the mismanagement of temple properties, citing the successful retrieval of temple assets worth Rs 5,137 crore from private encroachments in the two years since P K Sekar Babu took over as the HR and CE (Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments) minister in the DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) regime. Highlighting the efforts of the government, Alagiri pointed out that thousands of temples had been consecrated, financial assistance had been provided for one-time Pooja ceremonies in temples with low incomes, and archakas (temple priests) had been appointed from various castes, including women othuvaars. Alagiri further argued that just as temples are managed by the HR and CE ministry, mosques and Dargahs in the state are also under government control through the Waqf board. Similar to the HR and CE minister, a dedicated minister (Gingee Masthan) oversees these religious institutions, which are administered by an IAS officer, its secretary, and members.