In continuing surprises during the Namakku Naame Vidiyal Meetpu pre-election campaign tour of the State, DMK treasurer M.K. Stalin met with temple priests in Thanjavur on Thursday and assured them that their interests would be taken care of under the DMK rule.
At the meet held near the hallowed Sri Bangaru Amman temple, the priests welcomed Mr. Stalin with floral and sandal garlands in the traditional manner after which the DMK leader enquired about their demands.
Presenting their wish-list to him, they said that the posts of temple priests must be recognised by the State and asked for creation of a welfare board, grant of pension after retirement as priests, and extension of all State welfare measures to the community, among other things.
Going further, they requested that members of their community be granted financial assistance, on the lines of Haj aid for the Muslims, to undertake pilgrimage to Kasi and Gaya for propitiating their forefathers.
They also presented a memorandum containing their demands to Mr. Stalin, and urged him to include them in the party manifesto.
Mr. Stalin said that he would convey their wish to the party president and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and get that done.
Will convey priests’ wishes to party chief Karunanidhi
Priests welcomed Mr. Stalin with floral and sandal garlands in the traditional manner