Minister for Energy and Law C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar stated that invitations for the consecration ceremony of the Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple were issued strictly in accordance with temple rules and procedures.
Addressing the press in Madurai on Saturday following his inspection of the preparations for the ceremony, he responded to queries regarding the alleged omission of specific names and explained that listing individuals was unnecessary since the invitation explicitly acknowledged the board of trustees.
Mr. Nirmal Kumar said it was the practice of the DMK government to feature the names of MLAs or their relatives on temple invitations. He said the practice of packing temple boards with relatives of DMK leaders would not continue under the present administration. “Politics has no place in a sacred temple event, which belongs to everyone and has been revered by the public for millennia,” he asserted, adding: “This is a function meant only for the God.”
Turning to the logistical preparations, he said all work will be completed well ahead of schedule, with trial security runs commencing as early as September 11.
Better prepared
“During the trial run, the personnel will acclimatise themselves to all the essential procedures to be carried out and will detect any gaps in security, so beginning the trial earlier than scheduled will help in conducting the event smoothly,” he said.
“Corporation officials have instructed property owners and commercial establishments surrounding the temple to block public access to rooftops during the ceremony,” Mr. Nirmal Kumar said. To safeguard spectators, he added that the corporation would conduct comprehensive stability assessments on these surrounding structures.
