Thirupparankundram row | BJP and allies inciting riots, tarnishing Madurai’s image: Minister T.R.B. Rajaa

Tamil Nadu Minister for Industries T.R.B. Rajaa on Friday (December 5, 2025) charged that the BJP and its allies were doing everything they could to incite riots and destroy the peace and tranquility of the State. Accusing them of spreading “blatant lies” over the lighting of the ‘Deepam’ at Thirupparankundram, the Minister clarified that it was lit in the same place it had been lit for over 100 years, “following tradition without deviation.”

In a social media post, Mr. Rajaa contended Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin was working day and night to bring investments, jobs, and prosperity to the State but “the BJP and its allies are doing everything they can to incite riots and destroy the peace and tranquility of our State.”

Madurai and surrounding districts were on the cusp of a major transformation, he said and added the Tamil Nadu government was preparing for a major investment summit there on Sunday (December 7). “We are working to give Madurai a new international identity – a temple city that is also a hub for IT services, modern manufacturing, and world-class jobs.”

Mr. Rajaa said: “Instead of supporting this growth, the BJP and its allies are trying to tarnish Madurai’s image in front of the whole world! Just yesterday, we secured a major EV investment for South Tamil Nadu. At a time when we are preparing our young people to take up high-skill jobs, the BJP wants to radicalise them and push them into conflict over religion.”

He further charged: “They are spreading blatant lies that the ‘Deepam’ was not lit. We all saw that it was, at the same place it has been lit for over 100 years, following tradition without deviation! Yet the BJP continues to spread lies. Because without lies, without hate, without division – they have no politics!”

“Why do the religious hatemongers hate Tamil Nadu’s progress? Why does the BJP hate Madurai? Why do they fear a peaceful, prosperous, confident Tamil Nadu? Honourable @CMOTamilNadu #CMMKStalin avargal said it perfectly – “the people of Madurai want growth, dignity and opportunity, not manufactured chaos.” Tamil Nadu will not allow anyone to derail our progress. Madurai will rise. Tamil Nadu will rise. No force of hatred can stand in the way of a people determined to build a better future.”