Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday strongly welcomed a Madras High Court order directing the lighting of the ceremonial Karthigai Deepam at Thirupparankundram Hill, using the verdict to launch a sharp political attack. He condemned the ruling DMK government in Tamil Nadu and the opposition INDIA bloc, labelling them as "anti-Hindu" for opposing the religious practice.
Court Upholds Tradition, Government's Appeal Criticized
The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court, comprising Justices G Jaychandran and K K Ramakrishnan, on Tuesday upheld a previous order by Justice G R Swaminathan. The order permitted the lighting of the Deepathoon lamp on the stone pillar atop Thirupparankundram Hill, associated with Lord Murugan, during the Karthigai Deepam festival. The court recognized it as an age-old practice and emphasized respecting the sentiments of devotees.
Goyal expressed dismay that the DMK-led state government had appealed against Justice Swaminathan's December 1, 2025 order. He termed this move "extremely unfortunate" and alleged it revealed a clear "bias against Hindu and Sanatan Dharma" and an entrenched "anti-Hindu mindset."
Linking Udhayanidhi Stalin's Remarks to the Dispute
The BJP minister connected the state government's legal challenge to earlier controversial statements by DMK leaders. He pointedly referenced Udhayanidhi Stalin's September 2 remarks calling for the "eradication of Sanatan Dharma." Goyal argued that a few months after that statement, the traditional lighting of the lamp was prevented, a coincidence he insisted should not be overlooked.
"They did not allow the celebrations and tradition to be carried out in 2024 also," Goyal stated at a press conference. This, he said, forced devotees to seek judicial intervention, which ultimately resulted in a favorable verdict.
Accusations of Intimidating the Judiciary
Goyal escalated his criticism by alleging that the INDIA alliance parties were attempting to "intimidate the judiciary." He cited an impeachment motion submitted against Justice G R Swaminathan by several opposition MPs as evidence.
He listed signatories including Priyanka Vadra Gandhi, Dharmendra Yadav and Dimple Yadav of the Samajwadi Party, NCP's Supriya Sule, and Shiv Sena's Arvind Sawant. Goyal claimed these leaders made false allegations of bias and favoritism against the judge because they disliked his judgment.
"They were all at the forefront of this anti-Hindu effort," he asserted, framing the impeachment move as a tactic to pressure judges who deliver unfavorable rulings.
Dismissing the state government's argument about potential law and order issues, Goyal alleged the real motive was "appeasement politics." He accused the INDIA alliance of trying to curry favor with one community, referencing a small dargah at the site, at the expense of Hindu traditions.
In conclusion, Goyal stated the High Court's decisive directions had "clearly shown that the DMK and INDIA alliance are anti-Hindu." He characterized the alliance's actions, from attacking courts to threatening election authorities, as "anti-India and anti-constitutional," claiming they were exposed by the judges' ruling.
