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BJP accused TVK of portraying the struggle for rights as a threat to peace and questioned his argument that the situation should remain as it was two years ago.
The Madras HC had earlier passed an order limiting namaz. (PTI photo)
Rejecting Madras High Court order, Tamil Nadu Minister for Energy Resources and Law R Nirmalkumar has said that lamps will be lit on Thiruparankundram Hill during Karthigai Deepam following the existing practice. Speaking on the issue, the minister said the government would not allow any individual or religious force to use the matter for political purposes.
“We will not allow 100 per cent anyone or any religious force to enter into this and engage in politics,” he said.
Nirmalkumar stated that the lamp would be lit using the existing pathway on Thiruparankundram hill.
High Court seeks TVK government’s stand
The remarks come after the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Friday orally sought the new state government’s position on the Thiruparankundram Karthigai Deepam dispute.
The court also extended the interim stay granted against several interim orders passed by Justice GR Swaminathan in contempt petitions related to the alleged non-implementation of his earlier order directing the lighting of Karthigai Deepam on the deepathoon atop the hill.
The issue has become a matter of political debate, with the BJP criticising the state government over its approach.
BJP attacks minister’s remarks
Reacting to Nirmalkumar’s comments, former Telangana governor and BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan strongly criticised the minister. In a statement, she accused him of portraying the struggle for rights as a threat to peace and questioned his argument that the situation should remain as it was two years ago. She said that if the same logic were applied, people could ask why the current government came to power and whether change was needed at all.
“The Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister, in Madurai… in Thirupparankunram. He is portraying the struggle to assert rights as if it were a threat to peace, and saying that we will stick to whatever the situation was two years ago.. Why do we need change, he asks.. If that’s the case, if we say let the situation that prevailed in Tamil Nadu two years ago continue, can the people of Tamil Nadu ask how all of you came to power and why you came?,” said Soundararajan.
According to Soundararajan, the previous government was rejected because it failed to respect the sentiments of the majority in Thiruparankundram. She also claimed that the minister’s remarks did not appear to show respect for the High Court’s observations or the ongoing case.
Soundararajan further objected to the minister’s comments regarding press interactions. She said political leaders regularly address the media to inform the public about important issues and questioned remarks that appeared to belittle such interactions. She also criticised the suggestion that traditional media had become less relevant due to advances in technology.
The BJP leader alleged that ministers of the TVK government were not adequately addressing problems within their own departments and were instead handling emotionally sensitive issues casually.
“The previous government was rejected precisely because the sentiments of the majority in Thirupparankunram were disregarded… As if you all won by the sound of the whistle you blew in an emergency. Therefore, the loud voice of the people fighting for their rights does not reach your ears… Not only that, the minister’s interview does not seem to respect the High Court’s judgment or the case… Not only that, while all leaders give interviews in the same way when events against the people occur, and it’s necessary to inform the people about what they need, the Electricity Minister is also belittling that method….,” she added.
Focus on TN power issues, says BJP leader
Soundararajan said the minister should focus on resolving power cuts and irregularities in the electricity sector rather than concentrating on preventing the lighting of lamps at Thiruparankundram.
She argued that people wanted lamps to be lit and wanted light, while alleging that the government was causing power cuts and pushing Tamil Nadu into darkness.
“The TVK party, without properly addressing the problems in their own departments, are casually handling the sentiment-driven issues of Tamil Nadu and giving interviews, which only shows their lack of care for the people of Tamil Nadu… Instead of harboring the intent to prevent lighting lamps in Thirupparankunram, if the minister focuses on removing the ongoing power cuts in Tamil Nadu and the irregularities in that department, it would be better,” she added.
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