Chennai: BJP protests Election Commissio action in Srivilliputhur temple

Chennai: The BJP has condemned the action of alleged defacement of a rangoli on 'lotus' in the ancient Sri Andal temple in Srivilliputhur in Virudhunagar district in the State by officials claiming the drawing of the 'symbol' which pertained to the BJP, violated the election commission's model code of conduct.

Claiming that the devotees drew the motif of a lotus at the famed Sri Andal temple, BJP president Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan said, "out of devotion the public had drawn lotus in which Goddess Mahalakshmi is seated and it was not done for elections." She sought to know if the officials would remove the hand of the deity since 'hand' pertained to the symbol of the Congress party.

"Will you conceal the rising sun too since it is also a symbol (of the DMK)? she asked questioning the rationality in interfering in religious activities.

The kolams were drawn in connection with the festival at the Srivilliputhur temple which is among the most revered 108 Divya Desam (Vaishnavite temples).