The issue of lighting of a traditional lamp at a hilltop temple near Madurai rocked the Lok Sabha on Friday (December 5, 2025), with DMK leader T.R. Baalu accusing the BJP of trying to "ignite" communal tensions in Tamil Nadu and Union Minister L Murugan hitting back at the Tamil Nadu government for "denying the right to worship".
DMK members stormed the Well of the Lok Sabha and tried to raise the issue of the lighting of the 'Karthigai Deepam' at the stone lamp pillar on the Thirupparankundram hillock near Madurai and forced the adjournment of the Question Hour.
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Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Mr. Baalu accused the BJP of trying to "ignite" communal tension in Tamil Nadu and claimed that the Madras High Court judge, who permitted lighting of the lamp at the stone lamp pillar 'Deepathoon' on the Thirupparankundram hillock, owed allegiance to a particular ideology.
"Who should light the deepam on the hill? Whether the Hindu Religious Endowment Board representative or some miscreants who have got a judgement from a Madras High Court's judge?" asked Mr. Baalu.
