Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has reportedly stated that he will not be attending the Ayyappa Summit, citing "personal commitments". The Global Ayyappa Summit, scheduled for September 20th in Pampa, is part of the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB).
This decision comes amidst a political controversy surrounding the invitation extended to Stalin by the Kerala government for the inaugural global Lord Ayyappa event. The BJP has strongly criticized this invitation, referencing past comments made against Sanatana Dharma. In response, the DMK has defended the Chief Minister's attendance, emphasizing the historical importance of the event, which marks 75 years of the Travancore Devaswom Board.
Adding fuel to the fire, the BJP's Tamil Nadu state vice president has demanded an apology from Stalin for his son, Udayanidhi Stalin's remarks against Sanatana Dharma, as well as for historical statements by Periyar, who allegedly described Ayyappa devotees as "agents of filth and disease". The DMK spokesperson has defended the government's work for temples, clarifying that their opposition lies in the discriminatory aspects within Sanatana Dharma, and not Hinduism itself.
BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar stated that the party would "resist" the participation of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and M.K. Stalin in the Global Ayyappa Sangamam at Sabarimala if they do not apologize to Hindus. Chandrasekhar accused Vijayan of imprisoning devotees and violating Sabarimala traditions and claimed Stalin and his son insulted Hindus and the Hindu faith publicly. He insisted that both Stalin and Vijayan must apologize to Hindus and seek forgiveness before participating in the event.
The controversy occurs in a complex political landscape in Tamil Nadu, with rising anti-incumbency sentiments against the DMK regime and a rise in crime rates. Political analysts suggest an imminent change in the Tamil Nadu government due to these factors. Simultaneously, actor Vijay's entry into politics with his party, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), has the potential to alter Tamil Nadu politics. Vijay has stated that the 2026 elections will be a direct fight between his TVK and the ruling DMK.
The BJP has been attempting to strengthen its position in Tamil Nadu, with efforts to project a more "Tamil-friendly" image. Despite these efforts, the BJP's performance in the 2024 parliamentary elections fell short of expectations. The party has renewed its alliance with the AIADMK despite earlier tensions. The 2026 Tamil Nadu legislative assembly election is expected to be held in April–May 2026.
