Mon Jun 23 19:13:59 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
**DMK Minister Highlights Temple Protection Efforts, Dismisses Opposition Conference**
**CHENNAI, June 24, 2025** – Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE), P.K. Sekarbabu, emphasized the historical role of his department in safeguarding temples and devotees from exploitation during British rule. He announced plans to publish a book detailing the department’s history.
Speaking to reporters after inspecting construction of new classrooms at Arulmigu Ekambaranthan Matric Higher Secondary School, Minister Sekarbabu stated that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin would soon inaugurate the new facilities, as well as another building in Choolaimedu. He reiterated the Chief Minister’s directive to keep religion separate from politics.
Responding to the Hindu Munnani’s Muruga devotee conference in Madurai, Minister Sekarbabu dismissed it as a fleeting event (“one-day koothu”). He expressed confidence in the ruling DMK’s support, citing their commitment to temple upkeep. He further noted that the DMK government has overseen kumbabhishekams (consecrations) for 117 Muruga temples in the past four years, at a cost of Rs. 1068 crore.
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