A few days ago, we reported that a complaint was lodged against the warden of a government girls’ hostel in Kalaiyarkoil, Sivaganga district, accusing her of coercing students into reading the Bible and attempting religious conversion. The issue has sparked sharp political reactions, with BJP state president Nainar Nagendran condemning the incident and questioning the DMK government’s model of social justice.
The hostel, located opposite the Kalaiyarkoil Government Teachers Training Institute, houses 68 students from Classes 6 to 12. The warden, identified as Lakshmi from Karaikudi, came under scrutiny after Manimekalai, a resident of Maruthanganallur and mother of one of the students, submitted a complaint to District Collector P. Porkodi.
In her complaint, Manimekalai alleged: “My daughter is being forced to take part in Bible readings and worship sessions. The hostel food is also being made with rotten vegetables. I’ve brought this to the collector’s attention.” She accused Lakshmi of compelling students to read the Bible daily, participate in worship services, and endure poor living conditions.
Responding to the charges, warden Lakshmi clarified: “During quarterly and half-yearly examinations, students were encouraged to sing hymns and read the Bible for moral support. After receiving the complaint, we immediately stopped the practice. I have already submitted a written explanation to the District Adi Dravidar Welfare Office.”
District authorities have taken note of the matter, and an inquiry is currently underway.
Meanwhile, BJP state president Nainar Nagenthiran issued a strong statement condemning the incident and accusing the DMK government of failing to protect students in hostels. Sharing a video related to the case, he wrote: “Is there religious conversion in the DMK government’s social justice hostels? In the Adi Dravidar Social Justice Hostel operating in Kalaiyarkovil, Sivagangai district, shocking information has emerged that Mrs. Lakshmi, who serves as the hostel warden, is allegedly forcing female students to convert their religion, subjecting those who refuse to severe cruelty, discriminating against students in the use of bathrooms and toilets, and engaging in corruption with food supplies.”
Nagendran alleged that parents had sent complaint letters to the Chief Minister and relevant officials and argued that the incident proved the government’s failure. “This is yet another piece of evidence that the @arivalayam government, takes great care in giving attractive names to every scheme, fails in implementing those schemes effectively. What benefit is there for anyone if, instead of improving basic facilities and appointing qualified staff, the government merely changes the names of buildings in various ways? Most students staying in the government’s social justice hostels face caste-based atrocities and religious oppression within the hostels themselves. Is this the DMK’s version of social justice?” he wrote.
He went on to question the government’s silence on alleged conversions: “Where does a government employee working in a government hostel get the audacity to engage in religious conversion? In the DMK regime, which continuously criticizes Hinduism while protecting other religions, is there an assumption that no action will be taken by the government if Hindus are converted? Or is the DMK itself encouraging such conversionists in an attempt to destroy Hinduism? Furthermore, isn’t it the height of atrocity to sexually harass children who refuse conversion?”
Terming forced conversions “dangerous”, the BJP leader demanded accountability: “In our country, which upholds equality, such forced religious conversions among students are dangerous. We can never allow such anti-social acts to take place within government hostels. The ruling government must not stand by and watch. Therefore, I urge the Chief Minister, Mr. @mkstalin, to suspend Mrs. Lakshmi, who is involved in this incident, and bring all other government student hostels in Tamil Nadu under his direct supervision.”
திமுக அரசின் சமூகநீதி விடுதிகளில் மதமாற்றமா?
சிவகங்கை மாவட்டம் காளையார்கோவிலில் இயங்கிவரும் ஆதிதிராவிடர் சமூகநீதி விடுதியில், விடுதி காப்பாளினியாகப் பணியாற்றி வரும் திருமதி. லட்சுமி என்பவர், விடுதி மாணவிகளை மதமாற்றத்திற்குக் கட்டாயப்படுத்துவதாகவும், மறுப்பவர்களை வன்கொடுமை… pic.twitter.com/xosjlLrVIv
— Nainar Nagenthran (@NainarBJP) September 22, 2025
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