Union Minister L Murugan has dismissed claims from opposition parties that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to a temple and his meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari constitute a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Murugan argued that these accusations stem from the opposition’s fear of defeat in the upcoming elections.As Prime Minister Modi arrived in Kanyakumari, also known as ‘The Land’s End,’ on Thursday evening, Murugan addressed the media, questioning how a spiritual visit could be construed as a poll code violation. “How can the Prime Minister visiting a temple and meditating at Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari amount to a violation of the Model Code of Conduct?” he asked, defending Modi’s actions.
After offering prayers at the ancient Sri Bhagavathi Amman temple, which is situated near the confluence of three seas, Modi traveled by a launch operated by the Poompuhar Shipping Corporation to the mid-sea Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Murugan asserted that the opposition’s objections are merely weak arguments aimed at opposing the Prime Minister for the sake of opposition.
Speaking to reporters, Murugan noted that the Prime Minister’s meditation is a personal spiritual activity and drew parallels to the late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who was known for her spiritual engagements, including temple renovations and religious ceremonies. “Who can stop the Prime Minister from undertaking the meditation? Even late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa was involved in many spiritual activities. She renovated temples, performed Kumbhabhishekam, and even visited temples,” Murugan stated.
He further highlighted Jayalalithaa’s support for the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, suggesting that spiritual activities by political leaders are not uncommon and should not be seen as inappropriate.
Supporting Murugan’s stance, PMK founder Dr. S Ramadoss also defended Modi’s actions, asserting that there was nothing wrong with the Prime Minister undertaking meditation in Kanyakumari.
The statements from Murugan and Ramadoss come amidst a backdrop of election fervor, with opposition parties scrutinizing the ruling party’s activities closely. However, Murugan’s remarks aim to clarify that Modi’s temple visit and meditation are personal and spiritual, not political maneuvers.