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Time of India

I was disrespected at temple: Selvaperunthagai

Chennai: TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai on Tuesday said he was treated with disrespect at the Vallakottai Murugan temple consecration in Kancheepuram despite arriving on time. The DMK allies called for action against HR&CE officials while minister P K Sekarbabu visited the Congress leader and assured action. "The minister expressed regret for the incident," Selvaperunthagai said. The controversy related to the consecration ceremony of the temple, which took place after 17 years. Former Telangana governor Tamilisai Soundarajan, Selvaperunthagai, and DMK (Anna Nagar) MLA M K Mohan were among those in attendance. Selvaperunthagai said he wasn't treated with the respect an elected representative deserved. "It is customary for the elected representatives to flag off the temple consecration ceremony by standing on top of the Temple Vimana, and it happens that way in all temple festivals. But during this festival, the HR&CE officials flagged it off. Similarly, there was no one to even guide me and take me to the appropriate places. None of the protocols were followed," he told TOI. Sources in the HR&CE department said officials concerned submitted a report to the higher-ups saying the Congress leader arrived late and missed the prayers, despite priests waiting for him for 30 minutes. Selvaperunthagai denied these accusations. "I was asked to come at 8.30am, and I reached the temple at 8.15am. I was waiting in the temple storeroom to participate in the prayers, but there was no one there to accompany me because of which I had to leave. Some have an ancient mindset." You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai DMK allies including CPI, CPM, and VCK condemned the treatment, and demanded action against the officials. CPI state secretary R Mutharasan said, "This is against social justice, and stringent action should be taken against officials who are responsible for the incident." CPM state secretary P Shanmugam said Selvaperunthagai's caste (SC), was the reason for the alleged discrimination. VCK MP D Ravikumar called for abolition of discrimination in temples.