law and energy resources minister R Nirmalkumar said after an on-site inspection of preparatory works at the temple on Saturday.
Madurai: Chief minister Joseph Vijay’s participation in the upcoming consecration ceremony of Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple has not been planned so far, law and energy resources minister R Nirmalkumar said after an on-site inspection of preparatory works at the temple on Saturday.
Responding to reporters’ questions, he said since massive crowds are expected at the Sept 17 event, to prevent further congestion there is currently no such plan for the CM. He said preparations for the event are nearing completion with an additional 5,000 police personnel set to be deployed for crowd management.
Asked whether jallikattu would be held in the Alanganallur jallikattu arena, he said DMK’s motive behind constructing such facilities was to ensure their imprint on them — naming them ‘Kalaignar Stadium’ or ‘Kalaignar Arena’. “Jallikattu is a pride; it is a tradition celebrated within the respective towns. It is not merely entertainment; it is deeply rooted in our culture and heritage—a matter of sentiment,” he added. The minister also directed departments to inspect the structural stability of buildings surrounding the temple, improve electrical safety measures, install LED screens at key locations, and keep ambulances and medical teams on standby. Road repair work and other civic infrastructure improvements in Madurai city are also under way ahead of the event.
The restored Veera Vasantharayar Mandapam will be inaugurated on Sunday.