'Systematic assault on Hindu rights': TN BJP attacks DMK govt over Thiruparankundram Deepam blockade
Chennai, Dec 5
In a strongly worded statement, Tamil Nadu BJP spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad has launched a scathing attack on the M.K. Stalin-led DMK government, alleging that it is engaged in a “systematic, ideologically driven assault on Hindu religious rights†following the controversy surrounding the lighting of the traditional Karthigai Deepam at the Thiruparankundram hilltop.
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court had twice directed that the centuries-old Deepam ceremony be allowed on the sacred hill above the Thiruparankundram Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple.
The BJP alleges that the temple administration and the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department, acting under the state government, deliberately refused to comply and instead filed appeals that were rejected by the Division Bench.
According to the statement, when the Bench directed CISF protection to ensure enforcement of the order, police personnel allegedly blocked the hill route, prevented devotees from proceeding, and detained Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran as well as senior leader H. Raja.
The BJP termed this a “wilful obstruction†of a judicial order and a direct violation of the religious freedoms guaranteed under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution.
Prasad accused the state government of using police force to suppress lawful religious practices, calling the events at Thiruparankundram a “criminal misuse of executive powerâ€.
He alleged that the incident fits a broader pattern, citing the long-running dispute over administrative control of the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, earlier restrictions on Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha celebrations, and controversies surrounding temple management takeovers in Chennai and other districts.
The statement charged that the state was “weaponising the HR&CE Department as an extra-constitutional authority to curb Hindu rightsâ€, adding that such actions amounted to institutional discrimination in a state where Hindus form an overwhelming majority.
Calling the state’s stance a “brazen contempt of courtâ€, the BJP warned that every act of non-compliance, every arrest, and every administrative intervention would be documented for “future legal and constitutional scrutinyâ€.
The party maintained that despite the blockade, the traditional flame of Thiruparankundram “will be lit againâ€, insisting that those responsible for denying the ritual would eventually be held accountable before the law and before the electorate in 2026. The statement concluded with a reiteration of the BJP’s commitment to “protecting religious rights and the spiritual heritage of Tamil Naduâ€.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a Tamilian, I feel saddened. Our temples should be free from political interference. The HR&CE department is supposed to manage, not obstruct, religious practices. This sets a dangerous precedent for all our ancient temples in the state.
While I support religious freedom, I wish the BJP showed the same urgency for issues like unemployment and price rise in Tamil Nadu. Sometimes it feels like they pick these temple issues mainly for political polarization before elections. Just my two paise.
Reading this from abroad. It's concerning when a court order is not followed. The rule of law is fundamental. If there were genuine safety or environmental concerns, the government should have presented that clearly in court, not blocked the route afterwards.
Thiruparankundram is a powerful spiritual site. Denying the Deepam is like denying a part of our cultural heartbeat. The flame will be lit again – the faith of the people is stronger than any police blockade. ðŸ™
The pattern is clear: Chidambaram, now this. When will this government understand that you cannot win the love of Tamils by disrespecting their gods? This is not secularism, this is selective targeting. Hope the judiciary takes strong note of the contempt.
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