Tamil Nadu BJP President Raises Concerns Over Security Lapse During Minister’s Temple Visit

 Chennai, Tamil Nadu [India], February 19: Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai has written to the Director General of Police (DGP) of Tamil Nadu, addressing concerns over the alleged mishandling of security arrangements during the visit of Union Minister of State L. Murugan to the Thiruparankundram Temple in Madurai on February 17.

In a statement shared on social media, the Tamil Nadu BJP office expressed strong disapproval of the security lapse, stating:

"We would like to bring to the kind attention of your esteemed office the incident of the Tamil Nadu police mishandling the security detail of our Honourable Minister of State, Thiru L. Murugan, during his visit to Thiruparankundram Temple in Madurai. A letter has been sent to the DGP by our State President, Thiru K. Annamalai."

The statement further alleged that despite prior clearance being obtained from the Tamil Nadu police regarding the minister’s travel itinerary, he was obstructed from entering the temple premises.

"It is disheartening to note that the Honourable Minister was reportedly heckled by police officers stationed at the temple entrance, despite the travel itinerary—including visits to the Arulmigu Subramaniya Swami Temple and the Arulmigu Kasi Viswanathar Temple—being communicated in advance."

The BJP’s statement also raised concerns over what it described as an "instantaneous ban" on the minister’s temple visit. According to the party, when the minister questioned the police regarding the restriction, officials responded that they had received orders from the "high command" instructing them to deny entry.

"The issue at hand is the alleged misuse of power by the police, which effectively deprived a Member of Parliament of his fundamental right to worship. This incident also raises concerns about the overall law-and-order situation in Tamil Nadu, where public anxiety over increasing crime rates continues to grow."

Concluding the statement, the party questioned the broader implications of the incident, stating:

"If a Member of Parliament and a Union Minister can be subjected to such treatment, what does this signify for the safety and security of the common citizens of our state?"

The letter from the Tamil Nadu BJP President urges the DGP to take immediate corrective measures to ensure such incidents do not recur, particularly concerning the security and fundamental rights of public representatives and citizens alike.