Kerala Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran has courted controversy by removing a throne-like seat meant for Shankaracharya of Sringeri Math Bharathi Theertha Swami on the stage at a public function in Thiruvananthapuram. The minister won kudos and brickbats on social media after the act.
The sofa, which looked like a throne, was placed for the seer at a function organised to dedicate the Mithranandapuram pond to the public. The minister spotted the seat as soon as he arrived at the venue and, with the help of former Health Minister V S Sivakumar, replaced it with ordinary plastic chairs.
Though Sringeri Math chief did not attend the function another seer, who represented him, denied to come to the dais. He blessed the pool and left the venue immediately.
The minister received several accolades for his act on social media, including the one from Congress MLA V T Balram. However, BJP leaders in Karnataka were not happy with the act and responded that the minister insulted the Math head and should apologise.
Surendran, in a Facebook post, said the pond was renovated by the government at the cost of ₹1.50 crore, and it was clearly mentioned that Sri Bharathi Theertha Swami, the head of Sringeri Math in Karnataka’s Chikkamagaluru District, was invited as the guest.
"On reaching the venue I was told that the seat was for Sringeri Math head if he came. The government organised the programme, and I don't think such a chair must be arranged for a minister or a Math head. Even the BJP leaders, state president Kummanam Rajasekharan and O. Rajagopal MLA, who were present at the venue understood the awkwardness of the special chair," he said.
Rajagopal responded that the sofa took more space. "Only a junior seer attended the function. He left soon after blessing the pond. The name of that seer was not there on the list," he said.
On Yeddyurappa's reaction, Rajagopal said that the matter depends on the agreement between the seer and organisers and it is true that the name of the pontiff who attended the function was not there in the notice.
However, the social media was divided over the issue with some praising him while others were condemning his action.
Yeddyurappa said the minister should apologise for his act.
Strongly condemn the insult to Bharati Teertha Swamiji of Sringeri Mutt by Kerala Devaswom minister Sh.Kadakampally Surendra at Trivandrum
— B.S. Yeddyurappa (@BSYBJP) June 13, 2017
If it really happened it is not only insult to Swamiji but to all Hindus. What business SECULARS have in Temples? Is this Secularism?
— KSV SUBRAMANIAN (@KSVSUBRAMANIAN) June 13, 2017
Ban every commie from setting foot in Karnataka once your Gov comes to power next year @BSYBJP ji.Treat them mercilessly & shun them out!
— Chetan Anantharamu (@gandabherunda) June 13, 2017
People from Kerala were all praise for ministers action, including Congress MLA V T Balram.
Not just CPM minister. He was accompanied by Former CON MP/DCC President. CON MLA VT Balram appreciated both.
— Jineesh (@jineesh_blr) June 13, 2017
Uphold the equality (Art 14) enriched by constitution of India.
Well done Kadakampally & Sunil Kumar.No special seating needed for priests
Sire, We try to treat people equally in Kerala. Also, the swamiji doesn't have any concerns as far as I know.
— vineeshvs (@vineeshvs) June 13, 2017