DMK govt to end system of reception to VIPs in temples

Chennai, May 25 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today announced in the assembly that the Government would put an end to the prevailing system of according traditional reception to VIPs in temples.

Speaking on the condolence motion, moved by Leader of the House K Anbazhagan on the demise of former Assembly Speaker and Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P T R Palanivel Rajan, the Chief Minister recalled that it was the late leader who suggested a curb on the practice (during the DMK regime in 70s) as there should be no discrimination between the rich and the poor in temples.

Responding to MDMK floor leader M Kannappan's remarks in this regard, he said though the then DMK Government implemented PTR's suggestion, the practice resurfaced over the years.

In the memory of 'PTR' who affirmed that everyone was equal before the Almighty, the practice of according traditional welcome to VIPs by providing silken head gear would not be allowed in the state anymore, he said.

Paying glowing tributes to PTR, Mr Karunanidhi said he was the 'sparkling star' of a family that remained a leading light.

It was at the self-respect conference, organised by PTR's illustrious father P T Rajan at Chengalpattu in 1929, that a resolution demanding equal share for women in family property was passed. The resolution was later enacted as a legislation by the DMK Government in 1989, he recalled.

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