TN CM lashes out at DMK for politicising Rama Rajya Rath Yatra
His government allowed it in Tamil Nadu as it respects the sentiments of people of all religions.
Chennai: Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami lashed out at Opposition parties, especially the DMK, for politicising the Rama Rajya Rath Yatra in Tamil Nadu and remarked that it is “unfair to give political colour” to it.
His government allowed it in Tamil Nadu as it respects the sentiments of people of all religions. “This is a secular government. Feelings of all sections are respected. Hence, permission was given to the Rath Yatra. Moreover, it has already crossed five States - Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala - before entering Tamil Nadu earlier on Tuesday without any opposition,” the CM told the Assembly on Tuesday while responding to DMK working president M. K Stalin who opposed the entry of the rath into Tamil Nadu.
Coming down heavily on Stalin for ‘politicising’ the Rath Yatra being taken out by the members of the Maharashtra-based Shri Ramdas Mission Universal Society (to create an atmosphere for the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya), Mr. Palaniswami said, “it is unfair to give political colour to the event.” “Some politicians are trying to gain political mileage out of it. In Tamil Nadu, people of all religions have equal rights” he said.
All necessary steps have been taken to ensure peace and harmony in the State and that 121 people have been arrested as a precautionary measure. “The rath will reach Rameswaram on Wednesday and from there it will traverse to Tuticorin, Tirunelvelli and Kanyakumari before reaching Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala,” he said and urged the DMK members to maintain calm.
India, Palaniswami said, is a democratic country and one could not differentiate between religions. “People of all faith have equal rights in Tamil Nadu. It is the duty of the government to provide security for all in a democratic country,” the CM emphasised while explaining why the Rath Yatra was permitted in TN
Accusing Mr Stalin of attempting to divert people’s attention, Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam said even states ruled by the Congress and Communists have permitted the yatra, which had been peaceful in all the States. He assured stringent action if there is any communal disturbance or incitement leading to violence, during the yatra.