Chennai: AIADMK MLA Thanga Thamizh Selvan, an atheist in the party fold, worshiped at the Gowmariamman temple in Theni district for the recovery of Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.
Piercing his cheeks with iron rods, (the ritual of Alagu Kuththal), he went on a procession for two kilometres accompanied by about 40,000 party activists carrying milk pots. The party workers included about 20,000 women.
The Andipatti MLA, who resigned his seat a decade ago for his leader, vowed to give up his atheist convictions if his prayers were fulfilled. Thanga Thamizh Selvan, who is also the Theni district secretary, said “I am an atheist, but my wife and family members are believers. When they wanted to worship at the famous Gowmariamman temple for the recovery of Chief Minister, I also decided to worship in the temple. I observed fast for seven days for Amma and firmly believe that she will get well. If she recovers, I will give up my atheist convictions forever”.
