"Tamil Nadu is the most Hindu state; BJP doesn't understand it": Karti Chidambaram on RSS chief's remarks

New Delhi [India], December 11 (ANI): Congress MP Karti Chidambaram on Thursday strongly criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its affiliate organisations, asserting that their understanding of Tamil Nadu's cultural and religious fabric is fundamentally misplaced.
His remarks came in response to comments made by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, who recently referred to the ongoing Thiruparankundram issue and said that the "awakening of Hindus" in Tamil Nadu was sufficient to achieve the desired outcome, adding that escalation may not be required as the matter is sub judice.
Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Chidambaram said, "BJP and its allied outfits don't understand Tamil Nadu very well. Tamil Nadu is perhaps the most Hindu of all the states in India. The people of Tamil Nadu are the most god-fearing, ritualistic, orthodox, temple going people in India. The faith does not mix with the politics of the BJP. "
Chidambaram accused organisations associated with the BJP of manufacturing controversies in a region where diverse communities have traditionally lived in harmony.
"The allied organisations of the BJP are trying to create controversies when there are none. Various communities have co-existed in Tamil Nadu; it is only when outsiders interfere and try to create rituals and customs which are not part of the usual practice that such controversies happen," he said.
Referring to Bhagwat's remarks, the Congress leader said the people of Tamil Nadu are capable of preserving their faith without external intervention. "Tamil Nadu will reject the version of Hindutva the BJP is trying to thrust on Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu will continue to practice its faith and also maintain communal harmony," Chidambaram added.
Meanwhile, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday said the awakening of Hindus in Tamil Nadu "is enough to bring about the desired result" regarding the Thiruparankundram issue, adding that escalation may not be required as the matter is sub judice.
In Thiruparankundram, an unrest broke out during the Hindu festival of Karthigai Deepam last week, when activists from right-wing groups clashed with police. The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court had earlier directed that the lamp be lit at the hilltop temple.
Acting on a petition filed by a right-wing activist, Justice GR Swaminathan had instructed state authorities to ensure that the sacred lamp was lit atop the hill. However, government officials maintained that this violated the longstanding practice of lighting the lamp at the nearby Deepa Mandapam, a ritual observed for several years.
Responding to a query from the audience at the "100 years of Sangh Journey - New Horizons" event, Bhagwat said, "If the Thiruparankundram issue needs escalation, it will be done. But I don't think it needs to. The matter is now sub judice. Let it resolve. The awakening of Hindus in Tamil Nadu, I think, is enough to bring about the desired result."
He added that the Hindu organisations in the state would guide the RSS if escalation becomes necessary. "If at all it is needed, Hindu organisations working in Tamil Nadu will let us know, then we will think about it. I think this issue can be resolved here only, based on the Hindus' strength in the state. We will not need to escalate it," Bhagwat said.
Bhagwat added that the issue must be resolved in favour of Hindus. "But one thing is for sure, the issue needs to be resolved favourably for Hindus. That is definite, and we will do whatever it takes," he stated.
Meanwhile, over 100 INDIA bloc MPs from the Lok Sabha submitted a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday regarding an impeachment motion against Justice Swaminathan, who ordered Subramaniya Swamy temple authorities to light a traditional lamp at a stone pillar near a dargah, atop a hillock in Tamil Nadu. (ANI)