Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State President Nainar Nagenthran on Thursday, 5 November 2026, launched a sharp attack on the Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay-led government, accusing it of interfering with Hindu religious practices over a proposed Christian prayer meeting near a centuries-old Shiva temple at Lingamalai in Pudukkottai district. Nagenthran alleged the administration was failing to protect the religious rights of the Hindu community despite existing restrictions on such activities in the area.

The Lingamalai Dispute

According to Nagenthran, arrangements were reportedly being made to organise a Christian prayer gathering near a 400-year-old Shiva temple at Lingamalai, close to Malampatti. He alleged the event was scheduled for 24 November, coinciding with the Maha Karthigai festival, and was to be held near a cross that was allegedly erected without authorisation.

Nagenthran described Lingamalai as a site of significant historical and religious heritage, citing the presence of Chola-era inscriptions, sculptures, and a Nandi statue alongside the ancient temple. He also condemned an alleged physical attack on a Hindu devotee named Marimuthu, who reportedly opposed the proposed prayer meeting, calling it a failure of law enforcement.

Karthigai Deepam and Broader Religious Grievances

The BJP State President further widened his critique, referring to what he described as government restrictions on the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at Thiruparankundram hill in Madurai — an established religious practice. He accused the administration of deliberately obstructing Hindu religious traditions and urged Chief Minister Vijay to demonstrate through concrete action that his government represented all religious communities equally.

Notably, this comes amid a broader pattern of BJP-Hindu outfit complaints against Tamil Nadu's Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) predecessor government over temple administration — grievances the state BJP has now renewed under the current dispensation.

H. Raja Raises Vijayadashami and Temple Visit Controversy

Senior BJP leader H. Raja separately accused the Vijay government of undermining Hindu customs and traditions. Raja questioned alleged restrictions on the traditional practice of admitting children to schools on Vijayadashami, describing the ceremony as an integral part of Hindu culture.

He also referred to Madurai Central MLA Mustafa's visit to the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, criticising what he characterised as the attitude of certain ruling party representatives towards Hindu religious sentiments. Raja further questioned the government's secular credentials, citing the religious affiliations of senior constitutional functionaries and ministers.

Government Yet to Respond

Both Nagenthran and Raja demanded that the state government refrain from interfering in Hindu religious affairs and ensure equal protection for all religious communities. An official response from the Tamil Nadu government was not immediately available at the time of reporting.

The BJP's escalating pressure signals an intent to mobilise Hindu sentiment ahead of a politically sensitive festive period, with the Maha Karthigai festival just weeks away.