Karthigai Deepam row created for cheap politics, dividing society: MK Stalin

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said on Sunday that the lighting of Karthigai Deepam at Thiruparankundram was being unnecessarily turned into a religious controversy for political gains, calling it “cheap politics of the worst kind.”

Speaking at a public event after announcing infrastructure development projects in Madurai, Stalin said spirituality was meant to bring peace, unity, and harmony among people, and not to divide society for personal or political benefit.

“Attempting to create division in the name of spirituality is not spiritualism but cheap politics,” he said.

Referring to Madurai as the land of Kannagi from the Tamil epic Silapathigaram, he said, “Madurai is the land of Kannagi, who questioned a wrong verdict given without proper investigation,” in a veiled reference to recent legal developments related to the issue.

Stalin said the Karthigai Deepam was lit at the Thiruparankundram Subramaniya Swamy temple on December 3 and also at the Uchipillaiyar shrine on the hill, strictly as per long-standing tradition. He added that all rituals were carried out by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department following established practice.

“True devotees and local residents were aware of what had happened and had their darshan peacefully. People also know why this issue was created and the aim behind those causing it,” the Chief Minister said. He reiterated that the Deepam was lit at the proper place, at the right time, in accordance with tradition.

Stalin further said that while his government’s focus was on Tamil Nadu’s growth, some political parties were only interested in creating disturbances and hindering development. “Our thoughts are about the growth of Tamil Nadu. But some parties only have riot thoughts,” he said, without naming any party directly.

He added that people of all religions lived like relatives in the State and asserted that Tamil Nadu would always remain peaceful. Citing social reformer Periyar EV Ramasamy, Stalin said that the “lamp of equality” lit by Periyar would continue to shine in the State.

Highlighting the government’s work in the religious sphere, Stalin said consecration ceremonies had been conducted in over 3,000 temples since the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government assumed office, which he described as unprecedented.

He said any attempt to brand such a government as anti-spiritual would be understood by devotees for what it truly was. “Tamil Nadu will forever remain a peaceful State that celebrates Dharma,” he said.

Stalin also announced several infrastructure initiatives for Madurai, including an eight-point-four kilometre road project from Viraganur to Sakkudi at a cost of Rs 130 crore to decongest traffic. A new underground drainage system for core city areas, including the four Masi Streets around the Meenakshi Amman temple, Therkkuvasal and Arappalayam, was also announced.

Touching upon employment and connectivity, the Chief Minister said a Tidel Park would be set up at Mattuthavani to create job opportunities for the youth. He questioned the Union government’s stance on denying a Metro Rail project for Madurai, despite similar projects being approved in cities such as Patna, Agra and Indore.

Taking a veiled dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party, Stalin said opposing development through “lame excuses” reflected arrogance. “What do you think of the people of Madurai?” he asked.

Stalin also announced that from December 15 onwards, eligible beneficiaries left out of the Rs 1,000 monthly assistance scheme for women would be newly enrolled.

Expressing confidence ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, he said the DMK-led alliance would return to power. He also accused “enemies in Delhi” and the Governor of creating obstacles but claimed Tamil Nadu had still emerged as the top State in terms of economic growth.

Concluding his speech, Stalin said the people of Madurai would welcome development initiatives and reject any attempt to provoke unrest, thanking them for standing on the side of peace.

- Ends

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