Tensions escalated ahead of the Karthigai Deepam festival after members of the BJP’s youth wing alleged that DMK workers had printed and distributed fake VIP passes bearing government seals to gain unauthorised access to restricted zones. The incident occurred as lakhs of devotees converged on the temple town to witness the annual lighting of the Maha Deepam atop Annamalai Hill.
The counterfeit passes were allegedly created for DMK booth agents and party workers. BJP members stated that they intercepted individuals involved in printing and distributing the fake IDs and handed them over to authorities.
Video shared by BJP State Youth Wing President SG Suryah shows several passes purportedly marked with the temple administration and Superintendent of Police office names. In the footage, individuals are questioned about their involvement in printing the IDs, with one admitting to working on ID card preparation inside a temple-administration–linked office.
BJP members alleged that the exposed operation demonstrated misuse of administrative access. “These are passes meant to be used in the office. They were being printed and handed out neatly,” a party worker is heard saying in one of the videos. They also alleged that a temple administration staff member was assisting the printing, claiming that he had been called in by the Joint Commissioner of the HR&CE Department.
Police Action and Political Allegations
Tiruvannamalai police have arrested three individuals in connection with the fake-pass incident. BJP functionaries, however, described the police response as inadequate and alleged that officials were hesitant to pursue action against ruling-party members.
They also questioned why the Joint Commissioner of the HR&CE Department had not met them despite repeated petitions. “Why is the JC refusing to meet us? Whom are they trying to protect?” a BJP youth wing representative asked.
Temple authorities and the HR&CE Department have not yet issued an official clarification on the incident or the role of any staff members named by BJP representatives. Police are continuing their inquiry into the origin of the counterfeit passes and the individuals involved.
ஆன்மீக பூமியான திருவண்ணாமலையில், கார்த்திகை தீபத்தைக் காண லட்சக்கணக்கான பக்தர்கள் தவம் கிடக்கையில், திமுகவினர் செய்துள்ள செயல் அதிர்ச்சியை அளிக்கிறது. அரசு முத்திரையுடன் கூடிய ‘Fake VIP PASS’களை அச்சடித்து, அவற்றை தங்கள் கட்சி பூத் ஏஜெண்டுகளுக்கும் (BLA), கட்சிகாரர்களுக்கும்… pic.twitter.com/pVvqLWgN4P
— Dr.SG Suryah (@SuryahSG) December 2, 2025
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