Lift snag at Swamimalai Temple embarrasses ministers on opening day

Trichy: Elevators installed at a cost of Rs 3.5 crore at the Swamimalai Murugan Temple malfunctioned shortly after their inauguration on Monday, leaving HR&CE minister P K Sekar Babu visibly upset.Sekar Babu inaugurated the two elevators at the hill temple in Thanjavur district in the presence of higher education minister Govi Chezhian, Papanasam MLA M H Jawahirullah, Kumbakonam MLA Anbalagan and HR&CE officials. Soon after the ribbon-cutting, the ministers and others boarded one of the elevators from the lower precinct to the upper precinct, where the sanctum sanctorum of Swaminathaswamy is located. However, the lift failed to move after the doors closed. The operator stepped out and asked the others to exit. An irritated Sekar Babu tapped the operator on his back as he walked away. The ministers then used the second elevator, which functioned but reportedly experienced power fluctuations during the ride. After reaching the top, they chose to return by stairs, appearing displeased. The incident, which was captured on video, went viral on social media, triggering criticism from opposition parties. Former state BJP president K Annamalai alleged poor quality in the execution of the project and demanded a detailed explanation from the government. The temple, one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan known as the Arupadaiveedu, had the elevators installed to assist elderly devotees, patients and persons with disabilities in accessing the hilltop shrine. Following the malfunction, the elevators were closed to the public for inspection and repairs.