There is an undisputed symbiotic relationship between religion and politics in our country. Even politicians who claim to be atheists would never miss a chance to have a finger in the pie of temple administration. Mind you, the poorest of our temples – especially in large towns and cities – are rich, at least moderately, owning substantial land and real estate. This is why the average Indian politician is attracted to temples like bees to flowers, and extracts his own quota of honey.
One striking example is the fervour with which DMK leaders in Tamil Nadu managed to become, either direct or indirect, beneficiaries of temple wealth. Remember this is a party that was born out of the Dravida Kazhagam (DK), whose charismatic leader Periyar (EVR Naicker), openly declared that whoever believed in God was a fool (‘muttal’ in chaste Tamil). Incidentally, he was politically correct in desisting from tirades against other religions. Attacks on Brahmins and Hindu temples came naturally to his followers.
After parting ways with EVR, and the formation of the present DMK, the anti-religious streak continued for decades, before being given up by the DMK as it was of little utility in promoting the party.