JOIN USA Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)-backed yatra aimed at mobilising support for a Ram temple in Ayodhya entered Tamil Nadu on Tuesday amidst opposition by DMK, pro-Tamil and some Muslim outfits which claimed it would disturb communal amity.
Hundreds of devotees and cadres of Hindu outfits welcomed the 'Ram Rajya Rath Yatra', by showering petals, as it entered Shencottah in Tirunelveli District from Kerala.
Some activists threatened to block the yatra which was flagged off from Ayodhya on Feb 13 and has traversed through Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala. It will culminate in Tamil Nadu.
Police said they arrested over 300 people, including Thirumavalavan of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Jawahirullah of Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK), for violating ban orders and proceeding to block the yatra.
Actor-turned politician Kamal Haasan criticised the permission granted to the yatra, saying it had been taken up with "a divisive political agenda". Superstar Rajinikanth struck a note of caution saying any kind of communal tension should be prevented.
DMK raised the issue in the state Assembly, stalling proceedings before its members led by Leader of the Opposition M K Stalin were evicted en masse as they continued to protest even after the chief minister's reply.
Stalin then protested along with party MLAs near the assembly, but police removed and briefly detained them in a marriage hall.
"The yatra has entered Tamil Nadu...permission has been given for yatra organisers who have planned to instigate communal riots," Stalin said.
"When the Supreme Court is hearing the Ram temple case, organising a yatra to construct the shrine "is contempt of the top court," he told reporters.
Defending permission for the yatra, Palaniswami told the assembly "As regards Tamil Nadu, all religions have equal rights. Nobody can ban it. This is a democratic country and no religion can be differentiated."
Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam said if communally provocative or divisive words are used in the yatra, stern action will be taken. Pointing out that Left ruled Kerala and Congress governed Karnataka had allowed the yatra, he asked the Congress members to ponder if it was appropriate for them to join hands with the DMK on the matter.