TNCC Chief K Selvaperunthagai Denied Due Protocol During Temple Consecration, Sparks Row in Tamil Nadu
(File Photo | PTI)
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president and Sriperumbudur MLA K Selvaperunthagai was reportedly not accorded the protocol befitting an elected representative during the consecration ceremony of the historic Vallakottai Murugan Temple on Monday. The incident has sparked debate over caste-based discrimination and the role of temple officials in maintaining inclusivity.
The temple, located in Selvaperunthagai’s own constituency, held a Kumbabishegam (consecration) ceremony attended by several dignitaries. However, controversy erupted when the TNCC president, the first Scheduled Caste leader to hold the post in 35 years, was allegedly prevented from fully participating in the rituals.
Temple Officials Restrict MLA’s Participation
According to reports, officials from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department initially barred Selvaperunthagai from climbing the vimana—the temple tower—where sacred rituals were being performed. He was reportedly made to wait and had to engage in a discussion with the officials before being allowed access.
Adding to the controversy, sources within the Congress claimed that flag-waving rituals, typically performed by an elected representative during the consecration, were instead carried out by an HR&CE official. Notably, former Telangana Governor and BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan was allowed to climb the vimana before Selvaperunthagai and was present throughout the religious proceedings.
Selvaperunthagai Responds: "A 2,000-Year-Old Problem"
Speaking to reporters afterward, Selvaperunthagai did not directly accuse anyone of caste discrimination but expressed disappointment over the behavior of certain officials.
“It is a 2,000-year-old problem that cannot be solved overnight,” he said, alluding to the deep-rooted issue of caste-based exclusion in religious spaces without naming it explicitly.
He clarified that he did not wish for the incident to tarnish the image of the DMK government, praising Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and HR&CE Minister P.K. Sekarbabu for their governance.
“I don’t want this issue to bring disrepute to good governance or the HR&CE Minister, who is managing the department better than even the bhakti movement,” he added.
Opposition Demands Action
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Villupuram MP and VCK General Secretary D Ravikumar reacted strongly, urging the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to order an immediate probe into the matter.
“If officials denied the TNCC president his rightful place based on caste, they should be charged under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act,” Ravikumar posted on X.
He further stated,
“Firm action is needed to eradicate untouchability in worship practices that still prevail in HR&CE temples.”
Political and Social Implications
While the ruling DMK alliance prides itself on its social justice credentials, the incident raises concerns about persistent caste-based exclusions, even within government-managed temples. The Vallakottai Murugan Temple incident has brought into focus the gap between policy and practice, especially when it involves marginalized communities and their access to religious rituals.
Political observers believe the issue may gain traction in the coming weeks, particularly with rising national conversations around inclusivity, caste equity, and representation in public spaces.