Erode district BJP unit condemns removal of lotus decoration at Om Kaliamman Temple

The district unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly condemned the removal of a lotus-shaped spiritual decoration from the Arulmigu Om Kaliamman Temple at Cauvery Road, Karungalpalayam in Erode district, alleging misuse of authority by officials of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR and CE).

In a statement, the party’s Erode South district president, S.M. Senthil, said that preparatory yagasala poojas were being conducted in a devotional manner and in accordance with Agama rituals ahead of the Kumbhabhishekham scheduled for Wednesday (January 28, 2026). At this stage, HR and CE Joint Commissioner A.T. Paranjothi on Tuesday (January 27, 2026) reportedly visited the temple and insisted that permission for the Kumbhabhishekham would be granted only if the lotus-shaped decoration installed in the Maha Mandapam was removed.

The party alleged that the decoration was subsequently demolished and removed without any written order or clear explanation citing violations of Agama rules. Terming the action “highly condemnable,” the BJP said the lotus is a sacred symbol in Hinduism, representing purity, divinity and spiritual power, and that its removal had deeply hurt the religious sentiments of devotees.

The incident, the party said, has created apprehension among the public and devotees over an alleged biased and one-sided approach by authorities targeting a particular spiritual symbol.

The BJP demanded an immediate high-level inquiry into the conduct of the official concerned and called for appropriate departmental action. It also urged the government to issue clear guidelines to prevent such incidents and ensure that the religious and spiritual sentiments of devotees are not affected in the future.

Members of Hindu Munnani gathered at the temple. Following talks, a temporary lotus-coloured paintwork has been carried out and devotees dispersed.