The TVK administration under Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has chosen to retain the existing arrangement on the Thiruparankundram Deepam matter. This long-running dispute concerns lighting a ceremonial lamp on a hilltop stone pillar. Tamil Nadu Law and Electricity Minister Nirmal Kumar stated on June 6 that lamps would be lit according to current practice. He added that no individual or religious group would be permitted to politicize the issue. The minister confirmed the lamp would use the established pathway. His comments followed an oral query from the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on June 5 regarding the government’s position. Since its founding, the TVK has avoided taking a public stance on the topic. BJP spokesperson Narayanan Tirupathy criticized the decision. The court extended an interim stay on related orders. Earlier rulings had directed the lamp be lit at the pillar, but previous and current governments have resisted implementation. BJP leaders accused the administration of disregarding court directions and Hindu sentiments.
