Tamil Nadu politicians trade differing figures on temple consecration

In the Tamil Nadu Assembly, during a discussion on the demands for grants for the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department, former minister P K Sekarbabu said that 4,641 temples were consecrated during the previous DMK government. He also said the current government has announced that 3,000 temples would be consecrated over the next five years, which he described as a setback to consecration works.

Responding, HR&CE Minister S Ramesh said the DMK regime had announced that 2,491 temples would be renovated using general funds, and plans were laid, but Rs 392 crore of the total estimated cost is yet to be paid.

Sekarbabu also mentioned that 352 temples had been identified for renovation, with the government allocating Rs 425 crore between 2022-23 and 2025-26, and receiving another Rs 135 crore.