The ruling DMK government in Tamil Nadu has raised strong objections to the participation of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan in the upcoming Murugan Devotees Conference, scheduled for June 22 in Madurai.
Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister PK Sekar Babu questioned the relevance of political leaders from other states attending a religious event rooted in Tamil culture.
“What is the relationship between Andhra’s Pawan Kalyan and Tamil Nadu? What is the relationship between UP’s Yogi Adityanath and Tamil Nadu?” he asked, accusing the BJP of using the event to foment divisions based on religion, race, and language.
🔥 Political vs Devotional: A War of Narratives
While the BJP defends the conference as a celebration of devotion and unity, the DMK has dismissed it as a “Sanghi political stunt”. Sekar Babu alleged that the event is being orchestrated to mobilize crowds and polarize sentiments ahead of upcoming elections.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during a recent visit to Madurai, had urged devotees to attend the conference in large numbers, linking it to the status of Thiruparankundram Hill, one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan.
🛕 Murugan: A Cultural and Political Symbol
Lord Murugan holds deep cultural significance in Tamil Nadu, revered across caste and class lines. The BJP’s increasing focus on Murugan-related events is seen as an attempt to embed itself in Tamil spiritual identity, a space traditionally dominated by Dravidian parties.
The event, organized by Hindu Munnani, includes daily pujas, cultural performances, and mass recitations of Kanda Shashti Kavacham. However, the Madurai Police have raised concerns about crowd control and denied permission for loudspeakers, citing safety risks.
Stay tuned for updates on the June 22 event and political reactions.
