Tamil Nadu: DMK, BJP Clash Over Thirupparankundram Issue
6 Feb 2025 12:26 PM IST6 Feb 2025 12:26 PM IST
Minister P.K. Sekar Babu Warns of Stern Action Against Violence
Thiruparankundram temple
Chennai: A political storm has erupted in Tamil Nadu over the Thirupparankundram issue, with DMK leader and Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P.K. Sekar Babu accusing the BJP of attempting to incite communal tensions for political gain. He warned that any attempt to instigate violence would be firmly suppressed by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
Addressing the media, Babu claimed that BJP members, rather than Hindu outfits, orchestrated the February 4 protest in Madurai’s Palanganatham. He alleged that the Saffron party was trying to create instability in the state and dismissed the protest as unnecessary. Law Minister S. Regupathy echoed similar concerns, stating that Tamil Nadu has a history of religious harmony and any attempt to disrupt peace would be curbed.
Sekar Babu further accused the BJP of exploiting a "non-issue" for electoral mileage, predicting a sharp decline in its vote share in the state. Referring to historical court rulings on the matter, he assured that the DMK government would abide by legal directives and continue worship practices as per judicial mandates.
BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai, however, defended the protest, asserting that it was peaceful and questioning the DMK’s claims of unrest. He criticized the state government for allegedly suppressing BJP leaders and preventing them from participating in the demonstration. Annamalai also opposed the consumption of non-vegetarian food on the hill and accused the DMK of appeasement politics.
Madurai District Collector M.S. Sangeetha reassured that measures were in place to maintain communal harmony, emphasizing that outside elements from both Hindu and Muslim sides were attempting to disturb public order. She highlighted prior peace talks held with local leaders, where they agreed to continue existing worship practices without external interference. However, the AIADMK refused to sign the agreement.
Authorities had previously denied permission for an animal sacrifice ritual (Kandhuri) at the site and took action against Hindu Munnani members who attempted to perform the ritual. Police initially prohibited a protest by the Hindu outfit, but following a directive from the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, the demonstration was allowed at Palanganatham.
With tensions simmering, the state government remains firm on upholding law and order, while both DMK and BJP continue to trade barbs over the issue.
Addressing the media, Babu claimed that BJP members, rather than Hindu outfits, orchestrated the February 4 protest in Madurai’s Palanganatham. He alleged that the Saffron party was trying to create instability in the state and dismissed the protest as unnecessary. Law Minister S. Regupathy echoed similar concerns, stating that Tamil Nadu has a history of religious harmony and any attempt to disrupt peace would be curbed.
Sekar Babu further accused the BJP of exploiting a "non-issue" for electoral mileage, predicting a sharp decline in its vote share in the state. Referring to historical court rulings on the matter, he assured that the DMK government would abide by legal directives and continue worship practices as per judicial mandates.
BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai, however, defended the protest, asserting that it was peaceful and questioning the DMK’s claims of unrest. He criticized the state government for allegedly suppressing BJP leaders and preventing them from participating in the demonstration. Annamalai also opposed the consumption of non-vegetarian food on the hill and accused the DMK of appeasement politics.
Madurai District Collector M.S. Sangeetha reassured that measures were in place to maintain communal harmony, emphasizing that outside elements from both Hindu and Muslim sides were attempting to disturb public order. She highlighted prior peace talks held with local leaders, where they agreed to continue existing worship practices without external interference. However, the AIADMK refused to sign the agreement.
Authorities had previously denied permission for an animal sacrifice ritual (Kandhuri) at the site and took action against Hindu Munnani members who attempted to perform the ritual. Police initially prohibited a protest by the Hindu outfit, but following a directive from the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, the demonstration was allowed at Palanganatham.
With tensions simmering, the state government remains firm on upholding law and order, while both DMK and BJP continue to trade barbs over the issue.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle with agency inputs )
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