Stalin Slams BJP for ‘Politicising’ Karthigai Deepam Issue

• CM MK Stalin accuses BJP of creating controversy over Karthigai Deepam ritual at Thiruparukundram
• Says DMK is focused on development while opposition engages in “malicious plots”
• Reiterates ritual followed long-standing customs; rejects claims of anti-spiritual stance
• Legal battle over the issue continues, with cases pending before the Madras High Court and Supreme Court

GG News Bureau
Chennai, 8th Dec: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday made a veiled reference to the ongoing Karthigai Deepam controversy, accusing the BJP of politicising a religious matter for electoral gain. Speaking at Thiruparukundram during a series of official and party engagements in Madurai, Stalin said the BJP was indulging in divisive and malicious politics while the DMK remained focused on development.

“Opposition parties are attempting politics with malicious plots. When we speak about development, they speak of something else. No matter how many conspiracies are made, we will defeat them. Such tactics will not work with Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin,” he asserted.

Invoking the legacy of Kannagi — the heroine of Silapathikaram known for her fight against injustice — Stalin noted that Madurai has always been a land that stood against hasty judgments and false narratives.

Reiterating the government’s position on the Karthigai Deepam issue, Stalin said the ritual at the Thiruparakundram Murugar Temple was conducted strictly according to long-standing tradition. “Our aim is to develop Tamil Nadu. But some parties have a riot mindset. They attempt to derail our growth by raising needless issues. Karthigai Deepam was lit at the traditional spot, following all norms. Local residents know this well; they all worshipped and went home,” he said.

Stalin questioned why the matter suddenly escalated into a political controversy and who was behind it. “Spiritualism is about peace and unity. Creating divisions for political gains is not spiritualism. It is cheap politics,” he said. He added that the DMK government has overseen the consecration of over 3,000 temples, making accusations of anti-spiritualism misguided and politically motivated.

The Chief Minister also criticised the Union government for rejecting the Metro Rail project for Madurai and delaying the long-pending AIIMS hospital, accusing right-wing groups of attempting to obstruct Tamil Nadu’s growth by stirring unnecessary controversies.

The BJP, however, hit back, accusing the state government of violating court directives and engaging in vote-bank politics.

Meanwhile, the legal dispute over the Thiruparukundram Deepam continues. Tamil Nadu’s appeal is now before the Supreme Court, while a contempt petition on the issue is pending before the Madurai single bench. Another appeal challenging the single-bench order on lighting the Deepam is before the division bench.

Hearings are scheduled for next week, with the legal battle expected to intensify.