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Piyush Goyal welcomed Madras High Court’s order allowing Karthigai Deepam lighting at Thiruparankundram hills, amid DMK plans to challenge the verdict.
BJP leader Piyush Goyal accused the DMK leaders of targeting the Sanatan Dharma. (File photo)
Union Minister and senior BJP leader Piyush Goyal on Tuesday welcomed the Madras High Court’s order allowing the lighting of Karthigai Deepam at the stone pillar (Deepathoon) atop the Thiruparankundram hills in Tamil Nadu, calling the judgement a “justice” for devotees.
Addressing a press conference, Goyal said the verdict was significant in the larger context of what he described as repeated “attacks” on Sanatan Dharma by leaders of the ruling DMK.
“HC has done justice to the devotees of this temple,” the Union Minister said.
‘Not A Mere Coincidence…’: Goyal Slams DMK For Targeting Sanatan Dharma
The Minister accused Chief Minister MK Stalin, his son Udhayanidhi Stalin and other DMK leaders of repeatedly targeting Hindu beliefs, citing Udhayanidhi’s September 2023 remarks calling for the eradication of Sanatan Dharma.
#WATCH | Delhi | Union Minister Piyush Goyal says, “It is not a mere coincidence that the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, his son Udhayanidhi Stalin and other senior leaders of the DMK have consistently berated, derided and attacked Sanatan Dharma. On 2nd September… pic.twitter.com/jfYIdJJNEm— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2026
“It is not a mere coincidence that the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, his son Udhayanidhi Stalin and other senior leaders of the DMK have consistently berated, derided and attacked Sanatan Dharma. On 2nd September 2023, Udhayanidhi made an audacious and reprehensible demand for the eradication of Sanatan Dharma itself and for the first time, a few months after that the lighting of the lamp on the Thiruparankundram Hill associated with Lord Kartikeya, Bhagwan Murgan, was prevented. This coincidence should not be missed out,” the BJP leader said.
He said that devotees were forced to approach the court to protect a long-standing religious tradition and criticised the state government for appealing against an earlier order allowing the ritual, claiming it reflected an “anti-Hindu” mindset.
“The devotees went to the court for justice and justice was delivered by Justice Swaminathan, who permitted through his judgment on 1st December 2025 to continue the practice of lighting the lamp…It is extremely unfortunate that the state government went on appeal against the judge’s order, clearly reflecting a bias against Hindu dharma, against Sanatana dharma, clearly reflecting an anti-Hindu mindset. In fact, showing the hatred that Mr Stalin, his son and the DMK party and their friends in the INDI alliance have against Hindu religion,” he added.
DMK To Challenge Order In SC
His remarks came after the ruling DMK announced to move the Supreme Court to challenge the HC order. Responding to the court’s decision, DMK said the state government would study the verdict before deciding its next steps.
“We will read the verdict. Govt will take a decision on next course of action. DMK has done more for Hindus than any other party. DMK is recognised by people of Tamil Nadu more than 50 per cent vote share. Govt has to listen to the voice of people and to the police…,” the party said.
Further, BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan also welcomed the judgment, stating that the ruling had upheld religious sentiments. Speaking to CNN-News18, she said, “Hindu sentiment has been respected. DMK govt is exposed now.”
HC Upholds Order Directing Temple To Light Karthigai Deepam At ‘Deepathoon’
Earlier in the day, the Madras High Court dismissed concerns raised by the Tamil Nadu government regarding potential law and order issues and upheld the order permitting the traditional lighting of Karthigai Deepam at the hilltop pillar. The court strongly rejected the argument that the ritual could disturb communal harmony.
A division bench comprising Justices G Jayachandran and KK Ramakrishnan delivered the verdict while disposing of a batch of appeals filed by the Executive Officer of the Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple, the Madurai District Collector, and the Madurai City Police Commissioner.
The ruling is being seen as a significant development in the ongoing political and cultural debate surrounding religious practices in Tamil Nadu.
January 06, 2026, 14:40 IST
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