Bharatiya Janata Party State president Tamilisai Soundararajan has called for constitution of exclusive flying squads to prevent theft of idols from temples and stressed the need for setting up a judicial commission to inquire into the idols stolen from the temples.
“Minister for Hindu Religious and Endowment and officials in the department should also be held responsible for the thefts for failing to preserve such treasures,” she told The Hindu on the sidelines of a party function held here on Thursday.
She quipped why those voices who trumpet for Tamil culture were not heard much against the idol thefts even though idols in temples were interlinked with Tamil culture. On Chief Minister Jayalalithaa submitting the demands of the State to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ms. Soundararajan said the Union Government would definitely consider the demands but at the same time, the State Government should also fulfil their duties as many schemes needed the support of State Government too to make the full benefits reached the people.
“The State Government should not see the submission of demands as a method to pass on the entire onus on the Union Government. During the initial days of the Chennai floods, there has been a delay in getting reports from the State Government,” she said.
She raised concerns about the law and order situation in the State.
Special Correspondent adds from Salem: The State Government should take effective steps to check the activities of mercenaries and protect the law and order situation in the State, said Ms. Soundararajan.
She was reacting to the Governor’s address in the Assembly commending the State’s efforts in maintaining the law and order situation here on Thursday.
She demanded provision of seat in the front row in the Assembly with adequate facility to DMK chief M. Karunanidhi. His participation in the discussions will pave way for a healthy democracy in the State.
Referring to Jayalalithaa’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various demands made by her, Ms. Soundararajan expressed the hope that the Centre will take proper and appropriate action on the same.
The State Government without just presenting the petition, should follow the proposals by explaining the modalities involved in the implementation of the projects mentioned in the petition. On the Megathathu dam issue, she said that the Centre will act taking into consideration the welfare of both the states.
