"I haven't even gone to that hill": IUML MP Navaskani responds to BJP's attack on consuming non-veg at sacred site

Speaking to ANI, Navaskani said, "There is a Sikandar Darga on that hill in Madurai. There is a customary way of praying there, not only Muslims but all religious people. There Goat and roosters were sacrificed for many years. People are staying down the hill who just carry goats up to the hill. It's the place where goats and chickens were sacrificed, cooked and eaten there itself."

He explained that the Dargah comes under the Waqf Board, so he went there to understand why sudden discomfort was being caused to those visiting the Dargah.

"I wanted the police to inquire and give permission to which customary way followed before for years. I have not even gone to that hill. I just went and enquired about the restrictions on those who go to Dargah. There is a Kasi Vishwanath temple behind the Dharga," he said.

The IUML MP accused Annamalai of spreading false claims.

He (Annamalai) is saying wrong in this. I have not gone up the hill and didn't eat biryani there. They are creating confusion. They (BJP) are doing this for politics. They try to portray that we eat biryani in temple premises but they cannot achieve their aim in this. What they (BJP) do in North India, are trying to do in Tamil Nadu, but it will not happen here," Navaskani said.

Tamil Nadu BJP State President Annamalai had condemned Navaskani for allegedly gathering a group and consuming non-vegetarian food at the Thiruparankundram Subramanya Swamy hill, which is considered sacred by Hindus.

"It is very unfortunate that a sitting MP, who has taken an oath to follow the secular values of India's Constitution, has chosen to go to a place, that has been sacred for thousands of years for the Hindu community, and eat non-veg food there, trying to provoke outrage," Annamalai told reporters. (ANI)