Participating at the inaugural run of golden chariot at the Fort Sri Periya Mariamman Temple here on Sunday, Mr. Arumugam said that they had been schooled in Periyar’s self-respect movement. “But we are not against the beliefs of any one and in fact based on that only Chief Minister M Karunanidhi had taken steps to repair and resume the running of the big Tiruvarur temple car, which remained in a dilapidated condition for long,” he said.

“The DMK government in fact will never resort to the acts of hurting any one’s feelings. But the acts of a few of those who claim to be Godmen are doing irreparable damages to their religion and faith,” he said. The Chief Minister had already asked the temple administrations not to favour any individuals when they come to worship since temples were common for all.

He said that the DMK Government had undertaken many welfare and development schemes for temples in Tamil Nadu.

The golden car was made at a cost of Rs.1.90 crore with 15.800 kg of gold. He said that he had discussed the demand for a golden car for Sevvapet Sri Mariamman Temple with HR and CE Minister Periya Karuppan who had agreed to look into it.

Mr. Periya Karuppan said that the Government had completed 20 new golden chariots for temples in four-and- half-years and works were on for additional 15.

Till 2006, a mere 24 temples boasted of golden cars, he said and added that it was a record of sorts for DMK government to add more number of golden chariots.

The government had allotted Rs.420 crore against Rs.147 crore in the previous regime of AIADMK.

HR and CE Commissioner P.R. Sampath presided over the function in which Deputy Speaker V.P. Duraisamy, Salem Mayor J. Rekha Priyadarshini, District Revenue Officer V. Kalai Arasi, Veerapandi MLA A. Raja and Trust Board Chairman G. Elumalai took part.

Source: THE HINDU