Thiruparankundram Deepam Row: BJP Accuses DMK of Bias as Government Moves Supreme Court

On this Special Report, the focus is on the political confrontation over the Thiruparankundram Karthikai Deepam verdict in Tamil Nadu. BJP Spokesperson Ramakrishnan Rajagopal argues that 'lighting a lamp anywhere on the Hindu property is the right of every Hindu' and accuses the ruling DMK of 'anti-Hindu' bias for challenging the High Court order. He asserts that the state cannot curb fundamental rights unless there is a disruption of public order. Countering these claims, DMK Spokesperson Salem Dharani Dharan states, 'BJP does not represent the Hindus. Hindus represent themselves,' and highlights the state government's efforts in recovering '4,000 crores of temple land'. He contends that the appeal to the Supreme Court is a procedural step to maintain law and order and preserve the temple's long-standing customs. The debate underscores the tension between religious practices and administrative control.