MDMK general secretary Vaiko has lauded the Govt. of Kerala and its chief-minister Pinarayi Vijayan for appointing non-Brahmins as temple priests in temples run by Travancore Devasom Board (TDB).

“Kerala has realized Thanthai Periyar’s dream of making members from all castes as temple priests.  TDB has recently appointed 62 priests, exercising reservation to the fullest possible extent by appointing 26 Brahmins and 36 non-Brahmins belonging to other castes as priests.  It is appreciable that six of them are Dalits.  Vijaya has thus succeeded in establishing social justice in the State.  I salute him on behalf of MDMK.

“In 2006, Govt. of Tamil Nadu promulgated an act and chose 207 priests who passed the requisite course in Saiviite/Vaishnaviite relics.  However, the apex Court stayed appointment of non-Brahmins as priests after which a Bench headed by Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Ramana passed an order in December, 2014 stating that members from any caste(s) can be appointed as priests.

“While congratulating Kerala for appointing members from all castes as priests along with Brahmins, I appeal to the Govt. of Tamil Nadu to take cue from Kerala and follow suit so as to realize the dreams and reap the benefit of the struggles of Periyar,” Vaiko’s statement said.