A replica of a temple tower installed atop the memorial of late DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi at Chennai’s Marina Beach has ignited a major political controversy in Tamil Nadu. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly condemned the move, accusing the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) of hurting Hindu sentiments and misusing religious symbols for political optics.
BJP slams memorial decoration
The controversy erupted after Tamil Nadu BJP vice-president Narayanan Thirupathy shared a photograph of the memorial, which was adorned with a replica of the gopuram (temple tower) of the iconic Srivilliputhur temple.
In a strongly worded post on social media, Thirupathy demanded the immediate removal of the structure, calling it a "disrespectful act" and a "deliberate insult" to Hindu beliefs.
“I strongly condemn the DMK for placing a temple gopuram on the burial site of former Chief Minister Mr. Karunanidhi. This is arrogance at its peak. How can a temple structure be placed on a tomb? This is an affront to Hindu beliefs,” he wrote.
He also warned the DMK that “playing with Hindu sentiments will cost them dearly in the future.”
Senior BJP leaders echo criticism
Former BJP state president K. Annamalai also weighed in, alleging that the DMK has a long history of ridiculing Hindu faith while claiming atheism. He specifically targeted Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister PK Sekar Babu, accusing him of overstepping his role to gain favour with the Chief Minister’s family.
“The DMK has long profited by mocking Hindu traditions,” Annamalai said. “Sekar Babu’s continued antics in the name of atheism will not be tolerated. The people of Tamil Nadu will deliver a fitting response.”
Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran further intensified the criticism, calling the decoration "an attack on Hindu sanctity." He demanded a public apology from Minister Sekar Babu and urged Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to ensure the immediate removal of the gopuram.
“The DMK earlier criticised Hindu customs like applying holy ash. Now, this is yet another provocation. This is not a coincidence—it’s a deliberate affront,” said Nagendran.
DMK defends the symbolism
In response, the DMK defended the use of the temple tower, stating it was based on the official state emblem of Tamil Nadu. The emblem, adopted in 1949 under then Chief Minister Omandur Ramasamy Reddy, includes the Srivilliputhur gopuram along with the Lion Capital of Ashoka and Indian flags.
According to the party, the use of the gopuram is a reflection of Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural and architectural heritage, not a religious endorsement. The temple tower, designed by artist R. Krishna Rao from Madurai, has been part of the emblem for decades.
DMK supporters argued that the decorative element was a respectful nod to Karunanidhi’s cultural and political legacy, and not intended to project religious symbolism.
Past controversies resurface
This is not the first time Karunanidhi’s memorial has sparked criticism. In April 2023, a similar replica gopuram erected by the HR&CE department also drew backlash from BJP and Hindu groups.
At the time, BJP state secretary S.G. Suryah accused the DMK of hypocrisy, noting that leaders who prided themselves on rationalist ideology were engaging in religious-like rituals at the memorial, including bhajans and food offerings.
“Placing a temple tower on the tomb to seek a grant from the Charities Department is shameful,” Suryah had said. “A structure that Hindus revere as sacred should not adorn a samadhi.”
Congress backs DMK
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K. Selvaperunthugai came to the DMK’s defence, questioning the BJP’s motives in raising the issue. He pointed out that the memorial is a government property and that the use of the state emblem on it is justified.
“This is not a private property; it is a state memorial built by the government. What’s wrong in using the official emblem?” Selvaperunthugai asked. He added, “For many of us, the memorial is like a temple, and Karunanidhi is like a god because of the welfare schemes he introduced.”
With Assembly discussions on the HR&CE department’s budget underway and the BJP stepping up its attack, the issue is likely to remain a flashpoint in Tamil Nadu politics. While the DMK maintains that the decoration symbolises Tamil culture, the BJP continues to assert it as a violation of religious sanctity—setting the stage for a fresh round of ideological and political clashes in the state.
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