Home News BJP Slams TVK Govt Over Alleged Christian Missionary Encroachment On Lingamalai

BJP Slams TVK Govt Over Alleged Christian Missionary Encroachment On Lingamalai

BJP Slams TVK Govt Over Alleged Christian Missionary Encroachment On Lingamalai

BJP leaders have criticised the C Joseph Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government over the alleged attack on a Hindu devotee who questioned a proposed Christian prayer meeting at the historic Lingamalai in Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu.

The controversy follows reports that Christian missionaries allegedly attacked Hindu devotees who objected to a prayer meeting being organised near a cross reportedly installed illegally on Lingamalai, where a 400-year-old Shiva temple is situated.

BJP Tamil Nadu president Nainar Nagendran condemned the incident, questioning whether Lingamalai was being targeted after the ongoing controversy surrounding the Karthigai Deepam at Thirupparankundram.

In a post on X, Nagendran alleged that a Christian prayer meeting was being planned near the disputed cross on November 24, coinciding with the Maha Karthigai Deepam festival, despite prohibitory orders issued by the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO). He also alleged that a Hindu devotee named Marimuthu was brutally assaulted for questioning the proposed event.

“Are Thirupparankundram and now Lingamalai being targeted?” Nagendran asked.

Pointing to the historical significance of Lingamalai, he said the hill contains ancient Chola-era inscriptions, sculptures and a Nandi statue, besides being home to a 400-year-old Shiva temple. He questioned how Christian prayer meetings could be organised at such a historically significant Hindu religious site.

Drawing a parallel with the Thirupparankundram Deepam controversy, Nagendran accused the TVK government of failing to protect Hindu religious rights.

“Under the TVK government, which is deliberately preventing the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at the Deepathoon in Thirupparankundram, do these groups believe they can trample upon Hindu rights without anyone questioning them? Or is it because the TVK government, with its Speaker, Chief Minister and key ministers being Christians, is a minority government that will never raise its voice in support of Hindus?” he asked.

Nagendran further questioned how social harmony and equality could flourish if the government remained a mute spectator to what he described as repeated suppression of Hindu religious beliefs and worship rights.

Demanding action, he called on Chief Minister Vijay to ensure that those who allegedly attacked Marimuthu were dealt with firmly and that the government took steps to protect Hindu religious rights.

“Merely declaring through words that this is a government for everyone is not enough. Mr Vijay must demonstrate it through his actions as well,” he said.

BJP National Secretary M A Venkatesan Accuses TVK Government Of Religious Bias

BJP National Secretary M A Venkatesan also condemned the incident, accusing the Vijay government of allowing Christian groups to interfere with Hindu places of worship while using secularism as a political slogan.

In his statement, Venkatesan alleged that members of a Christian organisation had trespassed into the historically significant Lingamalai despite prohibitory orders issued by the government and the RDO. He further alleged that they had installed surveillance cameras without authorisation and brutally assaulted Hindu devotee Marimuthu when he questioned the installation.

Describing the incident as an act of violence that could not be condoned, Venkatesan accused religious groups of attempting to encroach upon the 400-year-old Shiva hill and alter its sacred and cultural identity.

“The Bharatiya Janata Party strongly condemns the high-handed conduct of these communal forces seeking to deliberately encroach upon the 400-year-old ancient Shiva hill and alter its sanctity and cultural identity,” he said.

Venkatesan also launched a broader attack on the TVK government, alleging that encroachments on historically protected places of worship and attempts to provoke religious tensions had increased since Vijay assumed office.

He accused the government of wearing a false mask of secularism during election campaigns while disregarding the religious sentiments of the Hindu majority after coming to power.

Questioning the conduct of the police and district administration, Venkatesan demanded that Vijay intervene immediately and ensure that the authorities acted impartially.

He called for the immediate arrest of those responsible for the alleged assault, removal of structures installed without permission and release of devotees whom he claimed had been detained.

Venkatesan warned that the government could face strong public opposition if it continued to act with religious bias and failed to deliver justice.

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