Chennai: Tension and panic gripped Brahmin priests at various temples managed by HR &CE department after internet exploded with posts that existing priests especially Sivachariyars at various places of worship were removed and replaced by those from various castes (trained in rituals) as per orders of Chief Minister M K Stalin.
This morning, Stalin and HR &CE Minister Sekharbabu denied these reports as rumours. They said only vacant posts were being filled.
Sekarbabu said it was “Periyar’s dream that persons of all castes should become priests at temples, and it was former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi who wanted to make it a reality”.
These appointments were made only after due processes were followed. They were interviewed and their knowledge of the agamas and rituals was tested, he said.
Among various forwards that stormed internet since last evening include senior Brahmin archakas alleging that they were unceremoniously sacked. They even made an emotional plea to the government to consider their plight.
A section accused the State government of acting in a partisan manner against Hindus.
The forwards claimed that archakas in Samayapuram Mariamman temple, Malaikottai Vinayakar temple, Sathoorappan temple in Sathoor saw new appointments.
Meanwhile, former Union Minister Dr Subramanian Swamy tweeted, “M K Stalin, I thought, would not repeat his father’s mistakes on the issue of Temples. MK got a snub from Supreme Court in my Sabhanayagar Natraj Temple case of 2014. In the recent DMK meddling with Temple priests postings, it has become necessary for me to go to Court too.”
A few Hindu organisations have announced filing petitions at the High Court seeking a legal recourse on appointments.