Thiruparankundram Row: Police Block Deepam at Deepathoon; Protesters Allege DMK Appeasement

In this report from Madurai, India Today Senior Editor Pramod Madhav details the escalating tension at the Thiruparankundram hill shrine over the Karthikai Deepam celebrations. A political war of words has erupted between the ruling DMK and the NDA after police stopped devotees from lighting the holy lamp at the ancient 'Deepathoon' pillar, located near the Hazrat Sultan Sikandar Badushah Dargah. While the Madras High Court had earlier permitted the ritual, the state government challenged the decision citing law and order concerns. Protesters have accused the Stalin government of 'double standards' for allowing the Sandanakoodu festival at the Dargah while blocking the Hindu ritual. The report also features strong political allegations claiming the DMK is using the issue to consolidate votes for Udhayanidhi Stalin in Chepauk.