Political Accusations Mar Tamil Nadu's Murugan Conference

Tamil Nadu's Minister Sekar Babu accuses BJP of politicizing the Murugan Conference, countered by BJP's spiritual claims. Amidst these allegations, a protest emerged following the Center's dismissal of an archaeological report on Keeladi. Chief Minister Stalin criticizes the Union for undermining Tamil heritage.

Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Minister Sekar Babu has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using the Murugan Conference in Madurai for political advantage. In an interview with ANI, Babu emphasized that the state did not solicit funds from devotees or involve politicians during their own conference efforts.

The BJP refuted these claims, with Tamil Nadu Chief Nainar Nagendran asserting the conference was purely spiritual. Nagendran invited all parties, dismissing political intentions. Meanwhile, protests led by the DMK's youth and Dravidar Kazhagam criticized the central government for disregarding Keeladi archaeological findings.

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat previously stated that Keeladi's reports required further scientific validation. This remark provoked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin's fierce objection, calling out the Union's inadequacies in acknowledging Tamil civilization's significance and urging state protest participation.

(With inputs from agencies.)