Karthigai Deepam Row: DMK-BJP Clash in Lok Sabha over Thirupparankundram Lamp
Karthigai Deepam Row: DMK-BJP Clash in Lok Sabha over Thirupparankundram Lamp
Parliament erupts as DMK accuses BJP of fanning communal tensions over lighting a traditional Karthigai Deepam lamp atop Thirupparankundram hill near Madurai, prompting adjournment.
The Lok Sabha battle over the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam lamp at the stone pillar on the Thirupparankundram hillock near Madurai blew up into a full-fledged confrontation on Friday, December 5, 2025. DMK leader T.R. Baalu charged the BJP with trying to ignite communal tensions in Tamil Nadu and questioned who should light the deepam, sparking off debate that forced the adjournment of the Question Hour.
DMK MPs accused the BJP-led government of attempting to escalate a religious issue for political gain, while BJP leader L Murugan countered by arguing that the Tamil Nadu government was denying devotees their right to worship and pointing to legal backing behind the decision to allow the ritual. He hit back at Baalu’s remarks about the judiciary, urging the chair to maintain decorum and reminding the House of a Madras High Court order that permitted the lighting.
As the uproar continued, DMK members moved toward the seat of the presiding officer, prompting the chair to appeal for restraint and adherence to the rules. The incident highlighted a broader battle over who controls religious rituals and how court rulings intersect with public order in a politically charged climate ahead of elections.
Outside the House, protests by BJP and right-wing groups and police action surrounding the hilltop lighting added to the tension. Reports cited the denial of permission to light the lamp on the pillar despite court directions, underscoring a clash between administrative decisions and devotional practices. The episode has become a flashpoint in Tamil Nadu politics, reviving debates about worship rights, judiciary independence, and the balance between religious freedom and public order as parties prepare for electoral contest.
Both sides warned of consequences in the run-up to elections, while devotees await clarity on the ritual’s status and any future permissions for the Thirupparankundram deepam.
Cover image source: DMK, BJP members face-off in Lok Sabha over 'Karthigai Deepam' at Thirupparankundram temple 🔗
