M K Stalin

CHENNAI: DMK president M K Stalin on Tuesday opposed Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) move to take over administration of more historic temples. On Monday, Union minister of culture Prahlad Singh Patel said in parliament that more temples would be brought under the control of the ASI .

Opposing the move, Stalin said the ploy is to take over administration of temples which are now under the control of state governments. He said if the government went ahead with its plans, the DMK would stage protests across the state.

The minister had said in the Parliament that in Tamil Nadu alone, there are about 7,000 historic temples. The ASI Act protects monuments and sites that are over 100 years old. He said a meeting would be convened soon with state ministers for culture to take a decision.

The Centre’s design is to destroy Tamil identity and culture of ancient temples and introduce poojas in Hindi and Sanskrit, said Stalin. “Many temples in Tamil Nadu are already under the ASI, but they are maintained badly. Temples and other historic monuments in Tamil Nadu depict Tamil culture and history. They need to be preserved. Once ASI steps in, the Tamil identity will be lost,” said Stalin.

A few years ago, the Centre wanted to take over Tiruvannamalai temple. The move was dropped owing to opposition from former chief minister M Karunanidhi. The Centre made abortive bids to take over Tirumala temple too, said Stalin.

