Nainar demands apology from Sekarbabu, urges CM Stalin to remove the decoration

CHENNAI:BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran on Thursday accused the ruling DMK government of desecrating Hindu religious symbols by featuring a temple tower-inspired design at the memorial of late DMK patriarch and former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi at the Marina memorial.

Describing the move as “deeply insensitive” and “an affront to the religious sentiments of Hindus,” Nagenthran demanded that Chief Minister MK Stalin to immediately order the removal of the decoration.

“The misuse of a sacred structure like the Srivilliputhur temple tower—an iconic emblem of Tamil Nadu’s spiritual heritage—at a political leader’s grave is condemnable. The sanctity of Hindu temples cannot be compromised for political symbolism,” he said in a statement.

He further accused the DMK of consistently undermining Hindu beliefs, recalling instances where the party mocked religious customs.

“Now, they want to use revered temple architecture for political glorification,” he charged.

The BJP legislative leader also demanded a public apology from Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE), PK Sekarbabu, who was complicit in this act. “If the Minister holds such reverence for his late leader, let him place his portrait in his puja room. Using HR&CE for such political theatrics is unacceptable,” he said.

Sekarbabu abusing position for political gains: Annamalai

BJP national general council member K Annamalai too joined the issue and attacked PK Sekarbabu of misusing his official position to appease the ruling DMK’s first family.

In a statement, Annamalai alleged that the DMK Minister was engaged in a competition to prove himself the most devoted loyalist to Chief Minister M K Stalin’s family, than others in the party.

“Among the DMK ministers, Sekarbabu is going beyond acceptable limits in his attempt to outshine others in servitude to the Chief Minister’s family. His move to embellish the Karunanidhi memorial floral decorations of a temple tower is unnecessary and provocative,” Annamalai said.

Criticising the ruling party’s ideological stance, the former BJP state president said, “The DMK, which proclaims atheism as a core principle, has long sustained its politics by mocking and diminishing the beliefs of the Hindu community. However, there is a limit to the patience of the public.

“If Sekarbabu holds such deep admiration for his late leader, he should honour him privately by placing his photo in his home’s prayer room. Using State institutions to glorify political leaders under the pretext of public service is unacceptable,” he said.

Annamalai further warned that continued disregard for religious sentiments under the guise of ideological atheism would not go unanswered. “If such behaviour persists, the people of TN will deliver a fitting response,” he added.