Lighting of Traditional Lamp at Madurai Temple Sparks Lok Sabha Debate
New Delhi: It is known that the local government prevented devotees from lighting the Karthigai Deepam on the Thirupundram hill in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. There was an uproar in the Lok Sabha today on the issue. The BJP has questioned why the devotees who went to light the Karthigai Deepam on the peak of the Subramanya Swamy temple every year were stopped. However, the DMK leader has denied the allegations made by the BJP. TR Balu has accused the BJP of inciting religious hatred in Tamil Nadu. Union Minister L Murugan has denied the allegations. He said that the Tamil Nadu government is asserting the right to worship.
DMK members stormed the Lok Sabha well today to raise the issue of lighting the Karthika lamp on the Thirupundram hill. The Question Hour was adjourned. The same issue was raised again during Zero Hour. The Madras High Court has given orders that the Karthika lamp can be lit on the Thirupundram hill.. but the Tamil Nadu government is opposing it. Balu asked who should light the lamp on the hill, the members of the Hindu Endowments Board or those who are roaming around holding the verdict of the High Court judge. Union Minister Murugan found it wrong to comment that the judge gave the verdict with ideology. The minister alleged that the Tamil Nadu government has suppressed the right to worship.
