Chennai, December 6, 2025 – Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagenthran has sparked a controversy by stating that there is "nothing wrong" with Tamil Nadu becoming like Ayodhya, further fueling the ongoing debate surrounding religious harmony and political ideologies in the state.
Nagenthran made these remarks while addressing reporters in Chennai on Saturday, during an event commemorating B.R. Ambedkar's death anniversary. He affirmed the BJP's commitment to upholding traditional practices, referencing the recent controversy over the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam lamp atop the Thiruparankundram hill. He noted that a dargah situated near the hilltop had not raised any objections to the ritual. "Ayodhya is part of India. There is no harm in Tamil Nadu following the Ayodhya model," he declared.
The statement comes amidst heightened tensions between the BJP and the ruling DMK, particularly concerning religious matters and development models. Nagenthran criticized DMK leaders, including Kanimozhi and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, accusing them of opposing Sanatana Dharma and hindering the state's progress. He questioned the DMK's claims of development, asking whether they had included the Madurai and Coimbatore Metro projects in the 2021 grant request, or built an airport in Thoothukudi for Rs 350 crore.
Nainar also addressed the Tiruparankundram issue, clarifying that the court had directed the Dheepam be lit on the nearest permissible pillar without entering the dargah premises. He stated that neither the dargah authorities nor the Muslim community had objected, questioning why DMK leaders were politicizing the matter. He further accused Udhayanidhi Stalin of pursuing an agenda against Sanatana Dharma, asserting that it cannot be destroyed.
Nagenthran's comments have drawn strong reactions from various political circles. Some view it as a direct challenge to the DMK's governance and its stance on religious matters, while others see it as an attempt to polarize voters ahead of upcoming elections. Accusations have emerged that the BJP is attempting to create communal rifts in the Madurai district. However, Nagenthran has dismissed these concerns, stating that no Muslim had objected to the lighting of the lamp near the dargah.
The BJP leader claimed that the NDA is gaining strength in Tamil Nadu and that several parties are expected to join the alliance. "A single day is enough for the alliance to consolidate," he said, expressing confidence that the NDA will form the government.
The reference to Ayodhya is particularly sensitive, given the history of communal tensions surrounding the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute. While the BJP views Ayodhya as a symbol of cultural and religious resurgence, other parties are wary of the potential for division and discord.
The remarks made by Nagenthran signal the BJP's intent to frame the political discourse in Tamil Nadu along ideological and developmental lines. It remains to be seen how this strategy will resonate with the electorate in the lead-up to the state Assembly elections.
