Overview
- Speaking in Madurai, M.K. Stalin said the Karthigai Deepam was lit as per tradition and accused rivals of using religion for political gain.
- The HR&CE Department lit the lamp on December 3 at the Subramaniya Swamy temple and at the Uchipillayar shrine, with related rituals completed and devotees finishing darshan.
- The Madras High Court had directed lighting the lamp at a deepathoon near a dargah on the hill, a directive the state declined to implement.
- Tamil Nadu has moved the Supreme Court against the High Court direction, keeping the dispute in active litigation.
- Countering claims that the DMK is anti-Hindu, Stalin cited more than 3,000 temple consecrations and criticized the BJP over stalled Madurai projects including AIIMS, Keezhadi reporting, and a metro proposal.