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United News of India
a day ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Lakhs likely to attend BJP's Lord Murugan devotees conference in Madurai tomorrow
Madurai, June 21 (UNI) With the key assembly polls in the Tamil Nadu political horizon, the BJP, which is leading the NDA helmed by the main Opposition AIADMK, will hold a Lord Murugan devotees conference in the temple town of Madurai on Sunday, which has become now become the political hot spot for various political parties The much-anticipated Murugan Devotees' Conference, which faced some hurdles and protests and the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court giving its nod, is all set to take place at Amma Thidal, near Vandiyur Toll Plaza in Madurai, from where several political party leaders have launched their foray, with the ruling DMK recently holding its key General Council meeting after a gap of 48 years. Though Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who is scheduled to inaugurate it has cancelled it, it would now be inaugurated by AP Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan. Though the BJP has been maintaining that it was an event to spread the message of Lord Muruga and has installed replica of his six abodes with idols inside--that was visited by thousands of Muruga devotees over the last few days--party sources told UNI tonight that it was purely a devotional gathering and there was no politics in it. The conference will bring the curtains down on the about week long event. TN BJP chief and Legislature Party Leader Nainar Nagendran repeatedly stressed it that it was an occasion to highlight the message of Lord Muruga. The BJP had earlier organised Vel Yatra and also undertook padayatra to six his abodes, especially in the context of therow that emerged over Tiruparankundram hills--one of the abodes--to invoke his blessings, in what was seen as a bid to consolidate the Hindu votes in the state and defeat the ruling DMK. Organized by Hindu Munnani and supported by the BJP Tamil Nadu unit, the conference is expected to draw more than five lakh devotees from across Tamil Nadu, other parts of India, and countries like Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore. Mr Nainar Nagendran, addressing the media ahead of the event, urged devotees from all walks of life and political affiliations to participate. 'Lord Murugan belongs to all. This is not a political event. It is a spiritual conference meant to strengthen our religious and cultural heritage,' he reiterated. He also emphasised that people should not bring political flags or banners, and that the focus will be entirely on faith, devotion, and Tamil culture. The highlight of the event is the devotional exhibits replicating the six Arupadai Veedu temples of Lord Murugan. Inaugurated a week ago, it drew thousands of people to have a darshan of the six avatars of the Lord giving an opportunity to those who could not visit these abodes. Continuous chanting of Kandha Sashti Kavacham (Lord Muruga devotional song) by about five lakh devotees and special poojas are planned on the occasion. Artists and orators from across the state will participate in cultural programs that would reflect the legacy of Murugan worship in Tamil tradition. The police have made elaborate security and announced traffic diversions in Madurai anticipating a huge footfall. According to BJP sources, this conference is part of a larger cultural revival initiative aimed at protecting and promoting Tamil Hindu traditions, especially the widespread devotion to Lord Murugan, who is considered the guardian deity of the Tamil people. The organizers and BJP leaders have also clarified that religious unity and devotion are the central themes of this event, not electoral gains or political narratives. The conference will conclude with a mass prayer for peace, prosperity, and unity across Tamil Nadu and the nation. The BJP said "with divine blessings, a grand Muruga Bhakth Sammelan (conference) will be held on the auspicious day during the sacred Sri Visuvavasu (Tamil calendar) year. "This spiritual gathering will take place in Madurai, the land that has nurtured and celebrated the richness of culture and devotion for centuries", the BJP said. "Let us come together in vast numbers--like waves of a divine ocean--to seek the boundless grace of Lord Muruga and immerse ourselves in devotion", it said. UNI GV 2245


Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
DMK obstructing Murugan meet: L Murugan
Madurai: Union minister of state L Murugan on Saturday accused the DMK government of deliberately creating obstacles to the Murugan Devotees Conference in Madurai, with the support of the police. He claimed the state's actions reflected fear over the growing influence of the event. "Despite the DMK's anti-Hindu stance and pressure tactics, the conference will proceed with full enthusiasm," Murugan said after visiting the venue. "Lakhs have already arrived in Madurai. The scale of participation is comparable to the Chithirai festival." Highlighting the BJP's past campaigns, he said, "We responded to those who insulted Kanda Sashti Kavasam with the Vel Yatra. This conference is our answer to the controversy in Thiruparankundram. Tomorrow, lakhs will sing the Kavasam in unison, and we urge other devotees to join in from their homes."


New Indian Express
7 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Hindu Munnani prints 50 lakh flyers for event in Tamil Nadu
TIRUCHY: Framed as a spiritual gathering, the 'Muruga Bhakthargalin Aanmeega Maanaadu' scheduled in Madurai on June 22 is positioned by right-wing groups, including the RSS, Hindu Munnani, VHP, and BJP as one of the largest religious mobilisations in Tamil Nadu in recent times. The event, which centres on the collective chanting of Kanda Sashti Kavasam, is also seen by saffron groups as an exercise to invoke Hindu identity and reinforce cultural consolidation. Unlike the earlier Vel Yatra, this time, the mobilisation is done by approaching devotional gatherings in temples, meeting pilgrimage groups and inviting seers of mutts, Hindu sects, dominant OBC-caste groups. Organisers have roped in not just Murugan devotees but also followers of Sai Baba, Aadhiparasakthi, Mariamman, and over a dozen caste-based outfits.


Time of India
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Nainar to undertake ‘yatra' to assembly with poll candidates
Madurai: BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran on Wednesday told reporters in Madurai that his journey as state president will be defined by a 'yatra' (march) to the state assembly with MLA candidates. He stated that the BJP, which came second in many constituencies, will clinch victory in 2026. "Just as how my predecessors took up 'Vel Yatra' and 'En Mann En Makkal Yatra', I will go on a march to the state assembly with MLA candidates. BJP candidates, in many constituencies, already came second in the previous assembly elections. This time, they will go a step further and achieve victory, no doubt," he said. Nagenthran was in Madurai on Wednesday to take part in the erection of 'muhurta kaal' pole at Amma Thidal near Vandiyur toll gate for the Murugan devotees conference to be organised in Madurai by Hindu Front on June 22. He said around 5 lakh people are expected to take part in the conference. "It is purely for devotees, in line with what was conducted by the DMK govt in Palani but on a better scale and with real devotees. There is no political motive," he added. Referring to Udhayanidhi Stalin's statement that DMK is 'not afraid of Modi or ED,' he said reality speaks otherwise. "From when they were in the Congress alliance in 2011, ED raids remain a source of fear for the DMK and deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. CM Stalin also made contradictory statements regarding attending Niti Aayog meeting in Delhi but later met PM Modi too. He should be asked what he spoke with the PM," added Nagenthran.