The Tamil Nadu government has reappointed the existing trustees of the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, extending their tenure by another two years, despite expectations of fresh appointments.
Following the demise of Karamuthu T. Kannan, who served as trustee (Thakkar) of the temple for nearly 18 years, an official from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department was temporarily appointed. Subsequently, in November 2023, a five-member trustee board was constituted.
The board included Rukmani Palanivelrajan, mother of Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan. The members assumed office in December, after which Rukmani Palanivelrajan was appointed as the Chairperson of the Trustee Board.
With the trustee tenure coming to an end and amid reports that several DMK functionaries were aspiring for the positions, a fresh reconstitution was anticipated. However, the government has now issued orders extending the term of the existing trustees, ensuring continuity in administration.
The decision comes at a time when Kumbabhishekam works are in full swing at the historic temple. With the extension, Rukmani Palanivelrajan is set to continue as the Chairperson.
