Tamil Nadu HR&CE Minister defends mandapam proposal at temple for devotees cured of chickenpox

Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Ramesh defended the proposed mandapam (resting hall) for devotees cured of chickenpox at the Sri Mariamman Temple in Anbil on Sunday. He accused the DMK of spreading false propaganda to tarnish the government's image. Ramesh clarified that the mandapam was intended for those who had visited the temple after recovering from chickenpox.

The temple attracted numerous devotees from various parts of the state, many of whom wished to fulfill their vows to the goddess Mariamman upon recovery, he explained. The government decided to construct the mandapam after receiving several petitions from devotees and observing the increasing number of visitors. However, the DMK launched a baseless campaign online, alleging that the mandapam would facilitate the spread of chickenpox as those with the disease would gather there, according to Ramesh.

He stressed that ministers and TVK MLAs were adhering to the decorum of the House, while DMK members were causing disruptions in the Assembly. Addressing Opposition criticism that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay was not responding to their queries, Ramesh noted that multiple ministers were actively addressing the questions directed at the Chief Minister, which was perfectly acceptable given their role in the government.

He also alleged that former Minister P.K. Sekarbabu was abusing his influence to gather information from the HR&CE Department to safeguard himself from any wrongdoing. He emphasized that anyone passing on inside information would face severe consequences.