Annamalai slams Vijay Govt. over Thiruparankundram Deepam row; demands implementation of HC orders

In a strongly worded statement, Annamalai alleged that the present TVK government was following the same approach adopted by the previous DMK administration in dealing with religious practices.

He maintained that lighting the Karthigai Deepam at the Deepathoon was a traditional form of worship closely associated with the religious beliefs and cultural heritage of devotees. Preventing the practice for political reasons was unacceptable, he argued.

Annamalai accused the previous DMK government of attempting to project an image of atheism and alleged that the Vijay administration was continuing similar policies despite the change in government.

Referring to the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, the BJP leader said the court had issued clear directions concerning the matter. However, instead of implementing the order, the state government was allegedly prolonging the dispute through appeals and administrative delays.

He argued that such actions undermined judicial directions and the religious rights of devotees.

Highlighting the traditionally harmonious coexistence of different religious communities in Thiruparankundram, Annamalai cautioned the government against allowing unnecessary controversies to disturb communal peace.

He questioned why devotees could not be permitted to visit the hill peacefully as a group and light the ceremonial lamp once a year.

The former BJP state president maintained that the government's responsibility was to resolve the issue in accordance with the law rather than prolong the controversy.

Annamalai demanded that the TVK government respect the High Court's directions, safeguard traditional worship practices and bring the dispute to an immediate conclusion.

His remarks have brought renewed political attention to the Thiruparankundram Karthigai Deepam controversy, with questions surrounding religious traditions, judicial orders and the state government's handling of the issue continuing to generate debate in Tamil Nadu.