Tamil Nadu Govt Bans Live Telecast Of Ayodhya Ram Mandir Event? Nirmala Sitharaman Accuses

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has accused the DMK government of banning the live telecast of Ram Mandir programmes in Tamil Nadu.

On Twitter, she wrote, "TN govt has banned watching live telecast of #AyodhaRamMandir programmes of 22 Jan 24. In TN there are over 200 temples for Shri Ram. In HR&CE managed temples no puja/bhajan/prasadam/annadanam in the name of Shri Ram is allowed. Police are stopping privately held temples also from organising events. They are threatening organisers that they will rip off pandals. Strongly condemn this anti-Hindu, hateful action."

She then accused the DMK government of claiming the law and order issues to justify the live telecast ban. "False and fake narrative! There was no L&O issues on the day of #Ayodhya verdict. Not even the day when PM @narendramodi laid the foundation, in any part of the country. The groundswell and the voluntary participation of people to celebrate #ShriRam in TN has rattled the anti-Hindu #DMK," Sitharaman added.

She has also shared an article published on Dinamalar where the news piece claims that the government has given oral orders to temple authorities not to allow any puja in the name of Lord Ram.

"Heart-breaking scenes in several parts of TN. People are threatened for organising bhajans, feeding the poor, celebrating with sweets even as we wish to watch Honourable PM Narendra Modi participate in Ayodhya... This is I.N.D.I Alliance partner DMK's anti-Hindu efforts," she alleged. She has also claimed that the state cable TV operators have been there is a likely a power-shut down during the live telecast on Monday.

Responding to the allegations, Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister PK Sekar Babu said, "A planned rumour is being spread to divert the DMK Youth wing Conference, which is going on in full swing in Salem.

The charity department has not imposed any restrictions on the devotees to perform puja in the name of Lord Ram, even to give food or offer prasad at the temples in Tamil Nadu. It is regrettable that people like Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who are in a high position, are spreading a completely untrue and purposeful false message."