The movement to free Hindu temples from government control in southern states, especially Tamil Nadu has got a boost, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks at a rally in Telangana's Nizamabad on 3 October.

Targeting the Congress over its 'Jitni Aabadi Utna Haq' (rights proportionate to share in the population) slogan, Prime Minister Modi said,"In the south, especially in Tamil Nadu, the state government has control of temples. The state government has captured temples. The temples are being looted through a conspiracy involving governments. Temples are being looted. Temples are being captured.

"But they will not touch the worship places of minorities. They don't bring them under government control.

"Now I ask Congress, if you have given the slogan "Jitni Aabadi Utna Haq", this is your principle, this is your mantra, will your allies in the south seize the places of worhip of miniorites? Will they capture them? Will they bring those properties to the use of the public? No they will not."

Later, he said, "I will ask another question to the Congress. Will Congress and its allies, especially in Tamil Nadu...Hindu temples are being captured...The same game is being played in most southern states...When you say "Jitni Aabadi Utna Haq", will you give back the rights of these temples to Hindus? Please answer. Don't make false statements. Stop playing the game of fooling people. Congress has to make its stance clear to INDI alliance partners. The allies of the Congress who are ruling Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Karnataka, all have to give answers."

Welcoming the remarks, temple activist TR Ramesh wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "Breaking News in Tamil Channel - Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji accuses Tamil Nadu Government ( @tnhrcedept) of illegally occupying Hindu Temples in the State and misusing its properties and funds.

"Finally - Hindus can now hope that the Central Govt will soon ensure thru legislation that Hindu Citizens of Bharat will no more be denied their fundamental right to administer their Temples and Charities. Jai Shri Ram!"

Sharing a clip of PM Modi's speech, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president K Annamalai criticised the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government for remanding M Nachiappan, who heads the BJP's spiritual wing in the state for questioning the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE) ministry.

Also Read: 'Anti-Hindu HRCE Department Will Be Abolished If BJP Comes To Power In Tamil Nadu' Says Annamalai