Tamil Nadu HR&CE Minister defends mandapam proposal at temple for devotees cured of chickenpox

Tamil Nadu Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Ramesh. File | Photo Credit: The Hindu Defending the announcement of an exclusive mandapam (resting hall) for devotees cured of chickenpox at Sri Mariamman Temple at Anbil, Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Ramesh on Sunday accused the DMK of spreading false propaganda to demean the government.Speaking to reporters in Tiruchi, Mr. Ramesh said the proposed mandapam was for those who visited the temple after recovering from chickenpox. The temple drew a large number of devotees from across the State, many of whom wanted to stay at the temple to fulfil their vows to the goddess Mariamman if they were cured of chickenpox, he said.The government had announced the construction of the mandapam u