Chennai, Sept 15:
BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran has demanded the removal of a Vinayagar idol allegedly fashioned in the likeness of TVK president and Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay in Korukkupet and sought action against those responsible.
In a statement, Nagenthran said the idol was installed as part of Vinayagar Chaturthi celebrations but criticised its alleged resemblance to Vijay. He contended that a deity worshipped by crores of people should not be used for individual glorification or political publicity.
Nagenthran alleged that the display had hurt the religious sentiments of devotees and demanded the arrest of those responsible. He also criticised Vijay for not condemning the alleged act at the outset, claiming that the Chief Minister’s silence had encouraged TVK functionaries to indulge in such activities.
The BJP leader said the use of religious imagery for political self-promotion was unacceptable and urged the government to safeguard religious sentiments and the sanctity of worship traditions.