Piyush Goyal alleges DMK government promotes ‘anti-Hindu’ sentiment

BJP leader and Union minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday alleged that the DMK government in Tamil Nadu was encouraging “anti-Hindu” sentiment by opposing a Madras High Court order permitting the lighting of a ceremonial lamp atop the Thiruparankundram Hills in Madurai. Earlier in the day, a division bench of the Madras High Court upheld a December 1 order by Justice GR Swaminathan allowing the ritual to be conducted as part of the Tamil Karthigai Deepam festival, rejecting the objections raised by the state government.

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Government Court order upholds age-old tradition: Goyal

The Union minister accused the DMK government of pursuing an appeasement-driven approach by opposing the court’s decision. He alleged that Chief Minister MK Stalin, Udhayanidhi Stalin, and other senior leaders repeatedly criticized Sanatan Dharma. Goyal specifically cited Udhayanidhi’s September remarks calling for the eradication of the faith. He further claimed that these statements coincided with state-imposed restrictions on religious observances and lamp-lighting festivities.

Goyal stated that the state government’s refusal to reconsider its stand compelled devotees to approach the court. He noted that Justice GR Swaminathan allowed the lamp-lighting ritual to continue despite the government’s opposition. However, Goyal alleged that the DMK government chose to challenge this order on appeal. He described this legal challenge as clear evidence of the government’s “anti-Hindu” approach.

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Goyal alleges appeasement, judiciary pressure

The Union minister criticized the INDIA bloc for proposing an impeachment motion against the judge. He claimed the Opposition attempted to pressure the judiciary through this controversial legal move. Goyal dismissed the state government’s argument regarding communal tension and labeled their concerns unfounded. He accused the authorities of pursuing appeasement politics to placate a specific community. The minister alleged that the government risked unrest to further its narrow political agenda.

Goyal stated that the BJP and NDA do not politicize the matter for electoral gains. He asserted that the issue centers on safeguarding constitutional values and India’s secular ethos. The minister opposed the divisive politics of the INDIA bloc, including the DMK and Congress.

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