Stalin insulted deities: Pon Radhakrishnan

Kanyakumari: Former Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan on Tuesday accused DMK president M K Stalin of wilfully humiliating Hindu deities and religious symbols. He demanded that Stalin apologise unconditionally and stop such acts.

Interacting with reporters after taking part in a consultative meeting with party functionaries at Agastheeswaram, Radhakrishnan said Stalin wiped out a symbol placed on him as a mark of respect during his visit to the Srirangam temple in 2018. He recalled an incident at the freedom fighter Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar memorial during the 113th Thevar Jayanthi last week where Stalin threw away sacred ashes given to him.

The former Union minister said Thevar is highly regarded by people from various walks of life and his memorial is also seen as a temple. “It is visited by both people with belief in God and atheists, apart from leaders of various political parties. But Stalin’s act at that place is very lowly and strongly condemnable,” Radhakrishnan added.

He said BJP’s month-long Vel Yatra that starts on November 6 would bring clarity on various issues. It is natural for those with fear to oppose the yatra, pointing out at political parties opposing it. tnn