Madurai | February 3, 2025
The Tamil Nadu government has enforced Section 144 across Madurai following rising tensions over the Thirupparankundram temple issue. Clashes between pro-Hindu groups and police have led to multiple arrests, sparking a political storm. BJP state president K Annamalai has slammed the DMK government, accusing it of stifling democratic protests and unfairly detaining party leaders.
Key Developments:
🔹 Section 144 imposed in Madurai to prevent large-scale protests
🔹 Pro-Hindu groups clash with police over temple issue
🔹 BJP’s K Annamalai criticizes DMK for suppressing protests
🔹 Heavy security deployed to prevent further unrest
What Led to the Tensions?
The controversy revolves around the Thirupparankundram temple, a revered pilgrimage site in Tamil Nadu. Recent government actions regarding the temple’s administration and access have sparked outrage among Hindu religious groups and BJP leaders. The ruling DMK government has been accused of interfering in temple affairs, a charge it denies.
Tensions escalated when pro-Hindu organizations and BJP supporters attempted to march towards the temple in protest, leading to confrontations with the police. The situation turned volatile as security forces resorted to baton charges and detentions to disperse the crowd.
Section 144: Why Was It Imposed?
To prevent further unrest, the Madurai district administration enforced Section 144 of the CrPC, restricting large gatherings and protests. Officials cited law and order concerns as the primary reason for the move.
A senior police official stated:
“The decision to impose Section 144 was taken to ensure peace in Madurai. We urge all groups to maintain law and order.”
Despite the restrictions, protests continued in various parts of the city, leading to arrests and further criticism from opposition leaders.
BJP’s Strong Reaction
BJP state president K Annamalai launched a scathing attack on the DMK government, calling the arrests of party members “a blatant suppression of democratic rights.” He accused the ruling party of targeting Hindu sentiments and unfairly preventing peaceful protests.
👉 K Annamalai said:
“The DMK government is showing its anti-Hindu mindset by arresting BJP leaders and suppressing our protests. We will not be intimidated.”
The BJP has demanded an immediate rollback of Section 144 and the release of detained party members.
Political Reactions and Public Sentiment
The AIADMK, Tamil Nadu’s principal opposition party, has also voiced concerns over the government’s handling of the situation. While condemning the violence, the party urged the government to engage in dialogue instead of imposing restrictions.
Meanwhile, DMK leaders defended the decision, stating that the law and order situation required strict measures. A government spokesperson said:
“The priority is to maintain peace. Any attempt to incite violence or disrupt communal harmony will be dealt with firmly.”
However, many residents of Madurai expressed frustration over the restrictions, as businesses and daily activities were affected.
Security Measures and Next Steps
🔸 Heavy police deployment in Thirupparankundram and key areas of Madurai
🔸 Checkpoints set up to monitor movement and prevent large gatherings
🔸 Arrests of dozens of protesters, including BJP leaders and pro-Hindu activists
The state government is closely monitoring the situation, and further decisions will depend on how the protests unfold. Authorities have urged people to refrain from spreading misinformation and maintain peace and communal harmony.
Conclusion
The Madurai temple row has ignited a fresh political and religious controversy in Tamil Nadu. With Section 144 in place, opposition protests intensifying, and BJP challenging the DMK’s stance, the issue is far from over. How the government handles the situation in the coming days will be crucial in determining the political fallout of this controversy.
