Temple Gopuram at Karunanidhi Memorial Sparks Political Controversy in Tamil Nadu:

The construction of a new architectural feature in the form of a gopuram over the memorial for former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi has sparked criticism in the political arena. The BJP was quick to condemn the new addition as an affront towards Hindu sentiments.

BJP Tamil Nadu's vice president Narayanan Thirupathy claimed the construction was a derogatory affront on social media, demanding the removal of the structure. He said, “This is an assault on the faith and beliefs of Hindus,” warning that tampering with Hindu sentiments would politically damage DMK.

Accusation Of Hypocrisy and Disrespect

Thirupathy described the structure as ghoulish, deeming it ‘arrogant and foolish’ to put a temple-style structure over a burial site. Claiming the act undermines so-called religious boundaries, he accused the DMK of attempting to co-opt religious iconography while being well-known atheists.

Annamalai Also Joins Criticism

Former BJP state head K Annamalai also jumped onto the bandwagon, focusing his critique on HR&CE minister PK Sekar Babu. Annamalai claimed the minister’s actions stemmed from an effort to appease Stalin and DMK higher-ups.

He denounced the DMK for allegedly disrespecting Hindu customs for a long time, stating, “While they claim not to believe in God, they consistently attack Hindu faiths and sentiments for political gains.” Annamalai also warned that if they continue this way, the people will have no choice but to respond in anger.

Underlying Religious and Political Tensions

The issue captures the enduring socio-political conflict existing in the region of Tamil Nadu. The DMK has often found itself at odds with conservative religious factions, owing to its roots in rationalist and Dravidian ideology. Adding religious motifs to the memorial of Karunanidhi, who was an outspoken atheist, has escalated challenges regarding the ruling party’s politics on religion and identity.