Tamil Nadu HR&CE Minister defends mandapam proposal at temple for devotees cured of chickenpox
Tamil Nadu's HR&CE Minister Ramesh defended the construction of a resting hall for devotees recovering from chickenpox at the Sri Mariamman Temple. He dismissed opposition claims that the facility would spread the disease, labeling the criticism as politically motivated propaganda by the DMK.
Why it matters
The controversy highlights the intersection of religious practice, public health concerns, and political friction in regional Indian governance.
Defending the announcement of an exclusive mandapam (resting hall) for devotees cured of chickenpox at Sri Mariamman Temple at Anbil, Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Ramesh on Sunday accused the DMK of spreading false propaganda to demean the government.
Speaking to reporters in Tiruchi, Mr. Ramesh said the proposed mandapam was for those who visited the temple after recovering from chickenpox. The temple drew a large number of devotees from across the State, many of whom wanted to stay at the temple to fulfil their vows to the goddess Mariamman if they were cured of chickenpox, he said.
The government had announced the construction of the mandapam upon receiving several petitions from devotees and considering the rising number of visitors. However, the DMK launched a false propaganda campaign online, claiming that the mandapam would spread the disease as those with chickenpox would congregate there, the Minister said.
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