State BJP unit wants ban on Chathurthi procession revoked

BJP state president L Murugan on Friday urged the state government to allow the annual Vinayaga Chathurthi procession here. “For the past four decades the Hindus are organising Chathurthi procession and a complete ban on it will hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus, Murugan said in a statement. “Vinayaka idols should be installed and the public should be allowed to offer prayers following physical distancing. The state has opened small religious institutions and the same logic will apply to Vinayaga Chaturthi idols. Further, Hindus worship Vinayaga to ward away obstacles and the evil effect and will be disappointed if the Chaturthi processions are banned, Murugan added.

Organisers of Hindu Munnani had already announced that it would defy the state orders restricting Chathurthi celebrations. Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Hindu Makkal Katchi are also holding internal meetings to discuss the state government’s ban on Chaturthi celebrations.

“Despite the pandemic, the state has permitted Panimaya Matha Church festival in Thoothukudi and also allowed Muslim brethren to distribute free rice for Ramzan gruel. Above all the Tasmac shops are allowed to function. So, we will take up these issues if the state denies permission,” said a BJP functionary.