Madurai: Actress and BJP leader Namitha has alleged that Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple official restricted her entry into the temple for darshan and asked her to furnish proof of being a Hindu. She was asked to put Kungumam in her forehead before allowing her to dharshan the deity. Namitha, who has released a video in this regard, has demanded that Hindu Religious Welfare Minister Shekharbabu take immediate action against the concerned officials.
BJP Leader Namitha Stopped from Entering Madurai Temple, Sparks Controversy
“My husband and I were not allowed inside Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple this morning. The officials of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR& CE) asked for our caste and religion certificates. They treated me with disrespect,” Namitha, said in the video.
Actress #Namitha alleged Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple official restricted her entry into the temple for darshan & asked her to furnish proof of being a Hindu.
She was asked to put Kungumam in her forehead before allowing her to dharshan the deity.@xpresstn @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/dKY1CSu8G0
— S Mannar Mannan (@mannar_mannan) August 26, 2024
Claiming that she had faced discrimination by HR& CE official, the actor- turned politician said “I went to Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple for darshan. Then a female officer asked me for a Hindu certificate. I belong to the Hindu religion. My marriage took place in Tirupati. Even my child is named after Krishna. Sadly, such activities are taking place in temples.”
The Tamil actress added that she had never been asked this question in any temple in India. “The management of Meenakshi Amman Temple treated me harshly. I have requested Minister Shekhar Babu to take appropriate action in this regard,” she said.
Temple administration denies Namitha’s accusations
Following her accusation, the temple Superintendent Venmani has explained on behalf of the temple administration. “Only Hindus are allowed in Meenakshi Amman temple. So we inquired. Otherwise, the officials were not harsh. We spoke according to the temple rules,” she said.
