Election fervor in Tamil Nadu boiled over when Kamal Haasan, during a rally at Chennai Harbour, equated Minister Sekar Babu’s temple works with the monumental achievements of Chola king Raja Raja Chola I. The BJP has erupted in criticism, branding the statement an affront to Tamil civilization and demanding Haasan’s unconditional public apology.
Spokesperson ANS Prasad called the comparison ‘unforgivable,’ emphasizing that no modern politician’s efforts could match the Chola sovereign’s stature. Haasan claimed Sekar Babu surpassed Raja Raja in kumbhabhishekam rituals, a boast Prasad dismissed as historical ignorance.
Raja Raja Chola’s era marked a golden chapter in Tamil history. His crowning glory, the Brihadeeswarar Temple, stands as a testament to engineering genius, built without mortar and adorned with intricate carvings. The empire’s naval expeditions reached as far as the Maldives and Indonesia, fostering trade and cultural exchange. Administratively, he introduced systematic land grants to temples, ensuring their sustenance for centuries.
Prasad turned the spotlight on the DMK-led HR&CE department’s failures, alleging widespread corruption and neglect. ‘Many temples lack funds for even simple poojas,’ he charged, pointing fingers at Sekar Babu. He speculated that Haasan’s DMK flirtations influenced his lapse in judgment.
In a poignant appeal, Prasad advised Haasan to reflect deeply and honor the Chola legacy by offering prayers at Thanjavur’s iconic shrine. Failure to apologize, he cautioned, risks inflaming passions among Tamil Nadu’s history enthusiasts.
As campaigns intensify ahead of polls, such cultural flashpoints reveal how deeply rooted pride in Chola accomplishments— from architectural marvels to imperial expansions—shapes voter discourse. This incident serves as a reminder of the fine line between political rhetoric and historical reverence.
