The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Minister’s statement hailed

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Monday, Dec 24, 2007
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Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Minister’s statement hailed

Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: S. Krishnanpotti, councillor of the Fort ward of the city Corporation, has welcomed the statement of Devaswom Minister G. Sudhakaran that the government is not thinking of taking over Padmanabhaswamy Temple, here, following a recent court verdict stating that the ruling family of erstwhile Travancore does not own the temple.

Mr. Krishnanpotti also welcomed Mr. Sudhakaran’s stand that the government would take a decision on the matter only after considering the view of the present head of the ruling family, a press note issued here said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party, in a press note issued here, condemned the ‘move’ of the State government to take over the temple.

Mr. Sudhakaran is behind the move to take over the temple that owns gold valued at crores of rupees, the press note said.

This is part of a move to destroy Hindu places of worship in the manner in which the functioning of the Sabarimala temple was sabotaged, the press note charged.

The move to ‘recapture’ the Theerthapada Mandapam that was earmarked for the construction of a memorial to Chattambiswami is also to be seen in this light, the press note said.

Governments, from time to time, have handed over land to religious / spiritual organisations. However, the move to take over land handed over to Hindu institutions and temples does not befit a secular administration.

The Minister who is heading such moves is playing with fire, the press note added.

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