Union Minister Piyush Goyal has launched a fierce critique against the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government in Tamil Nadu, accusing it of systematically targeting Hindu traditions and Sanatan Dharma. The senior BJP leader made these allegations on Friday, January 6, 2026, during an address in Delhi.
A Pattern of Hostility, Says Goyal
Piyush Goyal asserted that the comments and actions of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, his son Udhayanidhi Stalin, and other senior DMK figures reveal a consistent pattern rather than isolated incidents. He specifically referenced the controversial statement from September 2023, where Udhayanidhi Stalin called for the "eradication of Sanatan Dharma." Goyal connected this rhetoric to subsequent administrative actions taken by the state government.
The Thiruparankundram Hill Deepam Controversy
The minister highlighted the recent dispute over lighting the ceremonial lamp, known as the Deepam, at the Thiruparankundram Hill as a prime example. He stated that devotees were forced to seek judicial intervention to continue the long-standing tradition after facing restrictions. Goyal emphasized that the state government's decision to appeal against the court order, which favored the devotees, exposed a clear anti-Hindu bias within the administration.
"This is not a coincidence," Goyal declared, linking the government's legal challenge to the broader narrative of hostility. He portrayed the episode as a direct assault on religious freedom and the cultural practices of Hindus in Tamil Nadu.
Broader Political Implications
The allegations come amid heightened political tensions between the BJP and the DMK in the state. Goyal's sharp attack frames the DMK's stance as ideologically driven against Hindu traditions. By bringing the issue to the national capital, the Union Minister has sought to amplify the controversy, positioning it as a matter of national concern regarding secular governance and minority rights—though here referring to the Hindu community in the context of Tamil Nadu's political landscape.
The DMK government has yet to issue a formal response to Goyal's latest charges. However, the party has historically stood by its statements on Sanatan Dharma, defending them as a critique of social inequities rather than an attack on faith. This incident is likely to fuel further debate on the intersection of religion, politics, and cultural identity in the state.
