Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the grieving family of Poornachandran, the young devotee who tragically took his own life in protest over the denial of permission to light the sacred Karthigai Deepam at the historic Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple.
The visit, part of Modi’s visit to Tamil Nadu, came amid heightened political tensions in the state ahead of assembly elections, as the Prime Minister used the occasion to sharply criticize the ruling DMK government for what he described as “mafia-like” politics and insensitivity toward Hindu devotees.
Poornachandran, a 40-year-old resident of Madurai, set himself ablaze in December 2025 near the Tallakulam police station, reportedly in deep anguish after authorities refused to allow the traditional lighting of the holy lamp (Deepathoon) during the Karthigai Deepam festival at the ancient cave temple dedicated to Lord Murugan.
The incident sparked widespread outrage among Hindu groups, with BJP and Hindu Munnani leaders earlier providing financial assistance and condolences to the family.
Poornachandran left behind his wife, Thirumathi Indumati Poornachandran, and their two young children.
During his visit to the bereaved family earlier today, PM Modi offered his deepest sympathies and shared the family’s pain.
Speaking at a public rally in Madurai later, the Prime Minister recounted the emotional meeting: “Before coming here, I went to Thiruparankundram to get the darshan of Lord Murugan for the divine experience. I prayed for the prosperity of Tamil Nadu and the entire nation. At the same time, my heart felt heavy, and I remembered the young devotee who sacrificed his life. Today, I met his wife, Thirumathi Indumati Poornachandran, and their two little children. I felt their sadness and offered my deepest condolences to them.”
Modi emphasized the spiritual significance of the act, framing Poornachandran’s sacrifice as a symbol of unwavering devotion: “No matter what the DMK does, the truth and devotees of Lord Murugan will win. Truth will prevail.”
He accused the Tamil Nadu government of suppressing religious sentiments and turning a blind eye to the pain of Hindu devotees, linking the incident to broader allegations of anti-Hindu policies under the DMK regime.
“DMK’s dreams of returning to power will turn into nightmares,” he declared, vowing that faith and justice would ultimately triumph.
The Prime Minister’s visit and remarks have resonated strongly with BJP supporters and Hindu organizations in Tamil Nadu, who have long campaigned against what they call the DMK’s “anti-devotee” stance on temple rituals and festivals. Social media footage of the family meeting circulated widely, showing Modi consoling the widow and children, with many praising the gesture as a display of empathy and leadership.
The Karthigai Deepam controversy at Thiruparankundram—stemming from a Madras High Court directive and subsequent administrative hurdles—has become a flashpoint in Tamil Nadu politics. Hindu outfits argue it reflects systemic bias against traditional practices, while the state government maintains that decisions were taken to maintain law and order.
As Tamil Nadu gears up for crucial elections, PM Modi’s personal outreach to the Poornachandran family and his pointed attack on the DMK are seen as efforts to consolidate support among Hindu voters and highlight cultural issues. The visit underscores the Prime Minister’s strategy of blending spiritual symbolism with sharp political messaging in the Dravidian heartland.
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