Controversy
‘Why does god need gunman to protect hundiyal?': Kanimozhi’s speech rankles Hindu group
DMK leader Kanimozhi took a jibe at believers while speaking at the World Atheist Conference.
Priyanka Thirumurthy
Thursday, January 11, 2018 - 14:05
While
the controversy over lyricist Vairmuthu referring to seventh century
mystic and Alvar saint Andal as a 'devadasi' is yet to die down, another
storm over Rajya Sabha MP M Kanimozhi's statement is already brewing.
The
Hindu Munnani has filed a complaint with Chennai Police Commissioner
against the DMK leader for her remarks on Tirupathi Venkatachalalpathy.
In
the World Atheist Conference in Trichy over three days back, Kanimozhi
describes her visit to the Tirupathi temple, a famous destination for
Hindus across the country.
She says that she
along with other MPs were taken to the temple by Vice President Venkaiah
Naidu when they were part of a Home Affairs Committee. Kanimozhi
praises the manner in which the institution runs but then goes to
question devotees' belief in the god.
"It is a
very well run institution and we have a lot to learn. I give it to
them," says Kanimozhi. "Since we were all MPs, we were provided a
special way to see the god. They say everyone is equal in front of god
but that is a lie. If you give more money and buy ticket you get special
dharsanam. If not, you stand for 10 hours, 20 hours or two days. That
is god," she adds.
She then goes on to explain
how one MP who was accompanying them pointed out to her that while she
says there is no god, so many people are waiting long hours to see this
god. "He told me that all their wishes are being granted and they are
being protected. How can I not believe in god?" she says. "I then asked
him, there is a hundiyal (money collection box) right in front of the
god. Why is there a security personnel with a stun gun protecting it?
People who run the temple are not confident that god can protect the
hundiyal. Why should I believe in god?" she asks.
"Those
who look at us and call us non-believers – I have a question for them.
It’s true, none of us here believe in god, you (the audience at the
atheist conference) don’t believe in god. But those who claim to be
believers, do they actually believe? For one, you say there is no god
except your own. I’m just saying even that one god doesn’t exist. That’s
all," she said.
While Kanimozhi's speech is in
line with the Dravidian ideology that emphasises on atheism, members of
the Hindu Munnani allege that it hurts religious sentiments.
"Since
the BJP has come to power in the Centre, people are more willing to
take on such distasteful statements," says Elangovan, Chennai President
of Hindu Munnani. "As an MP, it is her duty to treat everyone equally.
So how can she talk in this manner against the sentiments of one
community?" he asks.
He further labels both Vairamuthu and Kanimozhi as anti-social elements.
"We
are seeing the backlash that Vairamuthu is facing from the public
following his comments. Politicians, temple administrators and the
general public are furious because he has hurt sentiments of devotees.
People who speak against the religious beliefs of the majority are
definitely anti-social elements," says the Hindu Munnani leader. "The
Commissioner has promised us action against Kanimozhi. We believe that
the law will bring us justice," he adds .
When
TNM contacted Kanimozhi she was unfazed by the opposition that the
speech has garnered. "Whatever happens, I will face it legally. I said
this at an Atheist Conference," she says.
