Hindu ‘Awakening’ In Tamil Nadu Enough To Address Thiruparankundram Issue: RSS Chief Bhagwat

The awakening of Hindus in Tamil Nadu "is enough to bring about the desired result" over the Thiruparankundram issue, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Wednesday, ANI reported.

Speaking at the "100 Years of Sangh Journey - New Horizons" event, Bhagwat remarked that the "awakening of Hindus in Tamil Nadu is enough to bring about the desired result" in relation to the dispute. He emphasized that escalation may not be necessary since the issue is currently sub judice, meaning it is under judicial consideration.

The dispute centers on the lighting of the sacred lamp during the Hindu festival of Karthigai Deepam. Traditionally, the lamp has been lit at the Deepa Mandapam, a nearby site that has been part of the ritual for years. However, Justice GR Swaminathan of the Madras High Court's Madurai Bench recently directed authorities to ensure that the lamp be lit atop the hill at the Subramaniya Swamy temple.

This order came after a petition filed by a right-wing activist, who argued that the hilltop lighting was the rightful practice. The directive sparked unrest last week, as activists from right-wing groups clashed with police during the festival, highlighting the deep sensitivities surrounding religious customs and traditions.

Bhagwat, responding to questions from the audience, stated that Hindu organizations in Tamil Nadu would guide the RSS if escalation became necessary. He suggested that the strength and unity of Hindus in the state could resolve the matter without external intervention.

"If at all it is needed, Hindu organisations working in Tamil Nadu will let us know, then we will think about it. I think this issue can be resolved here only, based on the Hindus' strength in the state. We will not need to escalate it," he said.

Bhagwat further asserted that the resolution must ultimately favor Hindus, declaring, "One thing is for sure, the issue needs to be resolved favourably for Hindus. That is definite, and we will do whatever it takes."

Meanwhile, the controversy has spilled into the political arena. Over 100 MPs from the INDIA bloc submitted a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking an impeachment motion against Justice Swaminathan. Their objection stems from his order directing temple authorities to light the lamp at a stone pillar near a dargah atop the hillock, which they argue disrupts established practices and potentially stokes communal tensions.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah strongly criticized the move, accusing the Opposition of engaging in "appeasement politics." Addressing the Lok Sabha during a debate on electoral reforms, Shah expressed shock that such an impeachment attempt was being made against a judge for delivering a judgment.

"This has never happened in all the years after independence that a judge is facing impeachment for delivering a judgment. They brought the impeachment to appease their vote bank," he said. Shah also noted his surprise that Shiv Sena (UBT) had signed the petition, underscoring the unusual nature of the development. He reiterated that the judgment was based on the recognition of a custom to light the lamp at the hilltop.

With inputs from ANI