The political landscape in Tamil Nadu's Madurai was shaken following the tragic death of a 40-year-old man, leading to high-profile visits and significant demands from opposition leaders. Poorna Chandran died by self-immolation on Thursday, an act allegedly linked to a dispute concerning the Thiruparankundram temple.
Political Leaders Offer Condolences and Financial Aid
On Friday, Bharatiya Janata Party's state president, Nainar Nagenthran, visited the grieving family of Poorna Chandran. He was accompanied by Kadeswara Subramaniam, the state president of the Hindu Munnani, along with several other party members. The delegation paid their floral tributes to the deceased and presented a cheque for ₹10 lakh to Chandran's family. This financial assistance was provided on behalf of the BJP and allied Hindu organisations.
During his visit, Nagenthran made two major demands from the state government. He insisted that a government job must be provided to Chandran's wife to secure the family's future. Furthermore, he demanded that the Tamil Nadu government award a compensation of ₹1 crore to the bereaved family for their immense loss.
The Ritualistic Demand and the Voice Message
Nagenthran also made a symbolic religious demand in the wake of the incident. He called for all temples to light a 'moksha deepam' (a lamp for salvation) to honour Chandran's death. Reports suggest that Chandran considered himself a 'deepam' (lamp) and took the extreme step of self-immolation in front of a statue of Periyar.
Police investigations into the incident, which occurred near an outpost, revealed a crucial piece of evidence. Chandran had sent a voice message to his friends and relatives before his death. In the message, he stated that his drastic action was prompted because the Karthigai Deepam was not lit at the deepathoon (a stone pillar). Echoing this sentiment, Nagenthran emphasised that the deepam must indeed be lit at the deepathoon, highlighting the ritualistic context of the protest.
Protests and Final Rites
The aftermath of the death saw heightened tensions at the Government Rajaji Hospital mortuary. More than 30 members of the Hindu Makkal Katchi organised a sit-in protest, refusing to accept Chandran's body for the final rites. The impasse continued until the intervention of Chandran's own mother, who persuaded the protesters to relent. Following her plea, the body was finally taken for the last rites, bringing a sombre close to the immediate confrontation.
This incident has cast a spotlight on local religious sentiments and their intersection with political activism in the region. The demands for substantial compensation and employment, coupled with the call for specific ritual observances, have placed the event firmly in the public and political discourse of Tamil Nadu.
