Chennai: After a three weeks strict lockdown in Tamil Nadu, from Monday the government has announced some relaxation. Due to lockdown, people have been stagnant and so did their vehicles. On Monday, Minister for Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments, PK Sekarbabu while inspecting temples in Chennai, conducted an anti-encroachment drive and have removed the vehicles parked illegally on land belonging to a famous Murugan Temple in the city.
The property of Vadapalani Murugan temple is worth a whopping Rs 250 crores located in the heart of the city had been occupied by the people who parked vehicles. “Today, this land which has been encroached for quite some time now has been retrieved officially,” said minister PK Sekarbabu. The Endowment Department reclaimed 5.5 acres of land occupied by private complexes in parts of Chennai like Gandhi Nagar, Saligramam.
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“No one living in the temple lands can claim the land. The Department of Hindu Religious Affairs does not allow temple lands to be occupied by private individuals,” he added.
"All religions are equal for us. There is no discrimination on the basis of religion on caste. The Lord's property is the government's property, whoever misuses it stern action will be taken against them," Sekarbabu said.
Having said that all castes are equal, he mentioned that there will not be any caste barriers to become priests in temples. The law for the same would be enacted in 100 days. It would be announced by the CM once the bill is passed in Assembly.