TN BJP chief Nagenthran targets HR&CE minister over non-Hindu's entry into Arunachaleswarar temple
Synopsis
Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagenthran has accused HR&CE Minister S. Ramesh of taking a Muslim man into the Arunachaleswarar temple in Tiruvannamalai — allegedly disguised as an 'assistant' — in violation of a 2024 Madras High Court directive barring non-Hindus beyond the flagstaff. With no response from the minister or temple authorities, the demand for an FIR puts the ruling alliance on the defensive over temple administration.
Key Takeaways
TN BJP president Nainar Nagenthran on 17 October 2026 accused HR&CE Minister S.
Ramesh of facilitating a Muslim man's entry into the Arunachaleswarar temple , Tiruvannamalai .
The alleged entrant was reportedly listed as the minister's 'assistant' and was seen wearing a skullcap, according to Nagenthran's post on X.
Nagenthran cited a 2024 Madras High Court judgment directing that non-Hindus should not be allowed beyond the flagstaff in Tamil Nadu temples.
The BJP chief also referenced the presence of TVK MLA V.M.S.
Mustafa in the front row of the Meenakshi Amman temple consecration in Madurai , linking the two incidents.
Nagenthran demanded immediate FIR registration against the individual and called for steps to prevent similar incidents.
Ramesh nor temple authorities had responded to the allegations as of the time of reporting.
Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president Nainar Nagenthran on Saturday, 17 October 2026, publicly criticised Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister S. Ramesh over the alleged entry of a Muslim man — reportedly accompanying the minister — into the Arunachaleswarar temple in Tiruvannamalai. Nagenthran demanded legal action, calling the alleged incident a violation of temple Agama rules and a 2024 Madras High Court directive.
What Nagenthran Alleged
In a post on social media platform X, Nagenthran accused Minister Ramesh of facilitating the entry of a Muslim man, identified as wearing a skullcap, into the Tiruvannamalai shrine by listing him as an 'assistant.' He argued that those entrusted with administering Hindu religious institutions are duty-bound to uphold their sanctity and established customs.
The BJP leader contended that such conduct amounted to arrogance on the part of a minister whose very mandate is to protect Hindu religious institutions. He demanded that authorities immediately register a case against the individual allegedly in violation of temple entry norms and Agama rules, and sought measures to prevent recurrence.
The 2024 Madras High Court Directive
Nagenthran cited a 2024 Madras High Court judgment that, according to him, directed that non-Hindus should not be permitted beyond the flagstaff in Tamil Nadu temples. He alleged that Minister Ramesh's actions were in direct contravention of this judicial directive. The court order forms the legal backbone of the BJP's demand for FIR registration in this case.
The TVK MLA Reference and Linking of Incidents
The Tamil Nadu BJP chief also drew a connection to a separate incident — the presence of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) MLA V.M.S. Mustafa in the front row during the consecration ceremony at the Meenakshi Amman temple in Madurai. Linking the two incidents, Nagenthran questioned what the minister sought to establish through such arrangements and what public benefit they served.
Notably, Nagenthran drew a distinction between non-Hindus entering temples of their own accord out of personal devotion — which he described as a different situation — and visits allegedly orchestrated to provoke controversy. His criticism centred specifically on the alleged deliberate facilitation by a state minister.
No Response From Minister or Temple Authorities
As of the time of this report, neither Minister S. Ramesh nor temple authorities had responded to the allegations. The HR&CE department, which administers thousands of temples across Tamil Nadu, has not issued any statement clarifying the circumstances of the minister's visit to the Arunachaleswarar temple.
This episode surfaces amid an ongoing debate in Tamil Nadu over temple administration, Agama compliance, and the role of the state-run HR&CE department — issues that have previously been contested between ruling alliance parties and the BJP. Whether authorities act on Nagenthran's demand for an FIR will be closely watched.
Point of View
Not an isolated lapse. The absence of any response from Minister Ramesh or temple authorities is itself a political choice — but silence rarely defuses a controversy of this nature. The 2024 Madras High Court directive gives the BJP a judicial peg on which to hang its demand for an FIR, raising the stakes beyond political rhetoric and into potential legal territory.
NationPress
17 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Arunachaleswarar temple controversy involving HR&CE Minister S. Ramesh?
Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagenthran has alleged that a Muslim man accompanying HR&CE Minister S. Ramesh was allowed to enter the Arunachaleswarar temple in Tiruvannamalai, reportedly listed as the minister's 'assistant.' Nagenthran called this a violation of Agama rules and a 2024 Madras High Court directive, and demanded an FIR.
What does the 2024 Madras High Court order say about non-Hindus in Tamil Nadu temples?
According to Nagenthran, the 2024 Madras High Court directed that non-Hindus should not be permitted beyond the flagstaff in temples across Tamil Nadu. He cited this ruling as the basis for his demand that authorities register a case against the individual who allegedly entered the Tiruvannamalai temple.
Why did Nagenthran also mention TVK MLA V.M.S. Mustafa?
Nagenthran linked the Tiruvannamalai incident to the presence of TVK MLA V.M.S. Mustafa in the front row during the consecration ceremony at the Meenakshi Amman temple in Madurai, suggesting a pattern of non-Hindus being facilitated into Hindu religious events by those aligned with the ruling alliance.
Has Minister S. Ramesh or the HR&CE department responded to the allegations?
As of the time of reporting, neither Minister S. Ramesh nor temple authorities had issued any response or clarification regarding the alleged incident at the Arunachaleswarar temple.
What action is the BJP demanding over the Tiruvannamalai temple incident?
Nagenthran has demanded that authorities immediately register an FIR against the individual who allegedly entered the temple in violation of Agama rules and the Madras High Court order. He also urged the minister to refrain from actions that could disturb social harmony and provoke public anger.
