Tamil Nadu Minister Ragupathy stated that Karthigai Deepam celebrates Tamil deity Murugan, emphasizing no role for Hindutva forces in this Tamil traditio.
He accused religious extremist groups of stirring controversy to gain foothold in the state during the festival.
The minister highlighted Tamil Nadu’s exemplary religious harmony amid the tensions. Ragupathy affirmed the government lit the lamp at the customary hill site per a 2014 Madras High Court ruling by a division bench, dismissing the recent single judge order as based on unawareness of prior precedent.
He criticized opponents for creating sudden issues despite established judicial decisions from Jayalalithaa’s era.
The minister praised Tamil Nadu police for handling the situation effectively. Ragupathy targeted former CM Edappadi Palaniswami for ignoring the 2014 verdict and aligning fully with BJP. He reiterated the government’s commitment to following court orders while upholding peace.