Reporter’s diary: Ministers on Hindutva trail to corner Stalin

In the backdrop of actor Rajinikanth’s controversial speech on Periyar’s 1971 superstition eradication rally in Salem triggering a debate on Hindutva politics in Tamil Nadu, the AIADMK ministers are working overtime to collect the past anti-Hindu statements made by DMK leader MK Stalin and taking it to the temples across the state. Minister for Tamil Development and Culture Ma Foi Pandiarajan and Dairy Development Minister Rajendra Bhalaji are now on a ‘Hindutva trail’, digging up old reports for the anti-Hindu statements made by the DMK leaders. Minister Ma Foi K Pandiarajan is reiterating in his public meetings that Stalin, who is a critic of Hindu rituals, has no locus standi to discuss the rituals and languages that are traditionally practised in TN temples. He says the DMK leader had never greeted the Hindus during festivals, but did not miss an opportunity to greet the non-Hindus. The minister, who is now frequenting temples in Thiruvallur district, is on a vitriolic campaign against DMK leaders’ lack of faith in the Hindu beliefs. “Stalin had openly criticised the practice of smearing viboothi and kungumam. Now he’s trying to comment on the language that should be used in temples,” he said recently. Minister Rajendra Bhalaji is also targeting the DMK for criticising the actor. “What is wrong in Rajini’s views? It’s better for the DMK to stay away from sentiments that hurt Hindus,” said Bhalaji during his recent visit to Srivilliputhur Andal Temple.