BJP to bring out coin on Rajendra Chola
His 1,000th coronation was observed on a massive scale
Update: 2015-06-17 07:55 GMT
Chennai: The BJP has plans to bring out a special coin on Rajendra Chola, whose 1,000th coronation was observed on a massive scale in the state last year. The saffron party hopes to connect more with the people ahead of the 2016 Assembly elections by invoking the names of popular historic icons like this Chola monarch.
A decision to bring out the special coin on the Chola king was made at the executive meeting of the saffron party at the historic temple town of Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district in the state on Tuesday. “The date for release of the coin to commemorate the contribution of this mighty emperor who after succeeding his father Raja Raja Chola in 1014 earned the distinction of being the only Indian and Tamil ruler to have conquered lands beyond the Indian subcontinent, will be decided soon,” a BJP senior told this correspondent.
Also, the saffron party has urged the government to take steps to conduct the Mahamaham festival, which attracts people from all over the world, on a large scale and ensure national stature to this event which will be held in 2016 after a gap of 12 years. “This festival should not be conducted as a local event. It is very important and is regarded as the Kumbha Mela of the south and hence national importance should be attached to it,” a resolution said.
Kumbakonam dating back to the Sangam period, plays host to this festival and the state Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments departments has already undertaken renovation of temples and appropriate works ahead of the festival. This apart, the BJP will join the International Day of Yoga celebrations by organising a massive demonstration at the YMCA grounds.