RSS Signals Possible Intervention in Thiruparankundram Karthigai Deepam Dispute

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on December 13 stated that the organisation may intervene in the Thiruparankundram Karthigai Deepam issue if required, but for now, it remains sub judice. Speaking in Tiruchirappalli, he said Hindu mobilisation in Tamil Nadu could resolve the dispute and that the Sangh would act only if local organisations deem it necessary. Bhagwat added: “The issue will be resolved in favour of Hindus. Whatever it takes, we will do it.”

DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai responded sharply, asserting that Dravidianism dominates Tamil Nadu, and a Hindu uprising is unnecessary. He emphasised that the temple authorities followed proper rituals and that government and police intervention prevented miscreants from escalating tensions.

The dispute arose when Hindutva groups demanded the Karthigai Deepam lamp be lit at the higher peak near Sikandar Badusha Dargah instead of the usual Uchipillaiyar Koil site. The issue had sparked clashes between right-wing outfits and police on December 3, despite a Madras High Court order allowing the lighting.