'DMK Insulted Lord Murugan, Didn't Even Spare Courts': PM Modi On Tamil Nadu Deepam Row

Last Updated:January 23, 2026, 17:55 IST

PM Modi's remarks came amid a raging row over the lighting of Karthigai Deepam lamp at the Deepathoon (stone pillar) of the Thiruparankundram Murugan temple.

PM Modi attends a massive public rally in Madhuranthakam, Tamil Nadu. (PMO)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday blasted the DMK government over the row concerning the lighting of Karthigai Deepam lamp, accusing the MK Stalin-led government of insulting Lord Murugan and even the courts. He said his party upheld faith and traditions, while accusing the ruling DMK of attempting to politicise a religious issue for electoral advantage.

Addressing a public rally in Madhuranthakam, Modi said, “We not only talk about Tamil culture, we work to protect it. A few days ago, when a controversy broke out over the lighting of Lord Murugan’s lamp, our leaders raised the voices of devotees."

“However, DMK and its allies did not even spare the courts to appease their vote bank. They insulted the courts. If there is the biggest enemy of Tamil culture, it’s the DMK. They wanted to betray Lord Murugan," he added.

His remarks came amid an ongoing controversy over lighting a lamp at the Deepathoon atop the hill of the Thiruparankundram Murugan temple. Although the Madras High Court directed the state government to make arrangements for lighting the lamp at the pillar, the DMK declined to comply with the order, citing law and order concerns.

READ MORE: ‘Corruption, Mafia And Crime’: PM Modi Attacks DMK Govt As He Sounds NDA’s Poll Bugle In Tamil Nadu

What’s The Controversy?

The appeals arose from a December 1 order passed by HC judge Justice GR Swaminathan, who had allowed a petition seeking directions to light the ceremonial lamp on the occasion of Karthigai Deepam at the hilltop stone pillar. The order, however, was not implemented after the authorities cited possible law-and-order concerns.

The DMK moved an impeachment motion against Justice Swaminathan for allowing the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam lamp, claiming that the judge’s decision risks communal tension.

Earlier this month, the Madras High Court upheld the right of the temple administration to light the lamp at the stone pillar, rejecting fears of law and order issues and criticising the State’s opposition to the practice. The court warned that such unfounded fears only create mistrust between communities.

The Tamil Nadu government had earlier said it would move the Supreme Court to challenge the Madurai bench order. The BJP accused the DMK of targeting Hindus and Sanatana Dharma.

News politics 'DMK Insulted Lord Murugan, Didn't Even Spare Courts': PM Modi On Tamil Nadu Deepam Row

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