Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami appears to be firm on his decision not to allow Vinayaka Chaturthi processions this year. BJP State president L. Murugan, Hindu Makkal Munnani State president K. Subramaniyan, and two other leaders met the Chief Minister and reiterated their demand that the government withdraw its order banning the celebrations. This climbdown on the part of the Sangh Parivar outfits comes after the government dealt with a heavy hand a few attempts in the western districts to install Vinayaka idols in public places. However, the Chief Minister gave audience to them only on August 17. The BJP’s sympathisers and Sangh Parivar elements argue that if the government can open the State-run retail liquor shops in Chennai from August 18, then why is it not allowing a religious celebration.

Source: The Hindu August 17, 2020 15:45 UTC