Members of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) display their duplicity towards Hindu Dharma very blatantly. Party members in Tamil Nadu, on the one side, advocate for the elimination of Sanatana Dharma. At the same time, on the other, there are instances of party members participating in religious rituals at various temples. The party has faced criticism for repeatedly disrespecting Hindu beliefs, likening Sanatana Dharma to diseases such as dengue, malaria, corona, mosquitoes, HIV, AIDS, and leprosy. Furthermore, there are allegations of the party contributing to the systematic deterioration of Hindu temples by cutting finances, meddling in temple customs, and openly opposing Sanathana Dharma. Notably, the party’s cadre, leaders, ministers, and their family members often exhibit contradictory stances. The recent widely circulated photograph of a DMK minister at the Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur has triggered extensive criticism and discontent among detractors.
As reported in The Commune, on February 4, 2024, Anitha R Radhakrishnan, the Minister for Fisheries, Fishermen Welfare, and Animal Husbandry of the DMK in Tamil Nadu, visited the Tiruchendur Subramaniya Swamy Temple. During this visit, he actively participated in the Shatru Samhara Puja, aiming for success for the DMK in the upcoming elections and seeking spiritual solace for his legal challenges.
This sudden demonstration of devotion coincides with two noteworthy events: firstly, the anticipated performance of the DMK in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, and secondly, the looming money laundering case against Minister Anitha Radhakrishnan initiated by the Enforcement Directorate.
During a recent strategy meeting on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Tuticorin, Anitha Radhakrishnan warned party officials, emphasising the repercussions of election mistakes, including potential expulsion from the party. He highlighted the need to form a strong (INDI Alliance) alliance, maximise DMK votes, and promote collaboration among union secretaries. Additionally, Radhakrishnan stressed the importance of supporting Kanimozhi (DMK MP) in the elections, urging officials to ensure her victory with a margin of 6 lakh votes.
In November 2023, Justice S.S. Sundar of the Madras High Court decided not to preside over the Minister’s writ petition challenging a money laundering case. The case revolves around allegations of disproportionate assets amounting to ₹2.68 crore between 2001 and 2006. This situation is particularly concerning for the Minister, especially in light of the recent trend of other ministers facing successive arrests in money laundering cases.
The Shatru Samhara Puja, a ceremonial practice within the Kaumaram subsect of Hinduism, venerates Kartikeya, also known as Lord Muruga. This ritual is prominently observed at the Tiruchendur Murugan Temple, with the belief that participation provides protection against evil influences for practitioners.
In August 2023, on Aadiperuku day, R Sakkarapani, the Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, performed a special pooja at the Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur. Notably, this event coincided with an ongoing enforcement department investigation into DMK ministers. A few days earlier, the wife and family of the former Higher Education Minister of Tamil Nadu, Ponmudi, also conducted special pujas dedicated to the Shatru Samhara deity (Murthy). In August 2022, Chief Minister Stalin’s son-in-law, Sabareesan, visited the Tiruchendur temple and organised a Shatru Samhara yagam.
Despite the alignment of DMK and specific political figures, party cadres and ministers frequently participate in Hindu rituals, often citing personal reasons. However, it is well known that they refrain from acknowledging their Hindu affiliations when involved in party-related activities.
