A political controversy has emerged following actor-politician Kamal Haasan’s comparison of Tamil Nadu Minister Sekar Babu’s temple renovation efforts with those of the Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola I during an election campaign in Chennai Harbour. Tamil Nadu BJP spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad criticized Haasan’s remarks, deeming them “deeply regrettable” and an “insult to the legacy of one of the greatest Tamil rulers in history.” Haasan’s statement about Sekar Babu conducting more temple consecrations than Raja Raja Chola has sparked strong reactions from BJP leaders.
In response, Prasad demanded that Haasan retract his comments and issue a public apology, emphasizing the unparalleled contributions of Raja Raja Chola to Tamil civilization, governance, and temple architecture. He highlighted Raja Raja Chola’s construction of the iconic Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, and his expansion of the Chola empire into Sri Lanka and parts of Southeast Asia. Prasad also credited the ruler with introducing administrative systems and temple endowments that structured religious practices.
Furthermore, Prasad criticized the DMK government and Minister Sekar Babu, alleging mismanagement in the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department. He claimed that several temples in the state were struggling to perform basic rituals, citing irregularities in the administration without specific evidence. Prasad questioned Haasan’s political alignment with the DMK, insinuating that his statements were influenced by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. He urged Haasan to reflect on the seriousness of his statement and suggested a visit to the Brihadeeswara Temple to honor Raja Raja Chola.
The controversy unfolds amidst heightened campaigning for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with political discourse increasingly invoking historical and cultural figures to rally voters.
