Chennai: Hindu Tamilar Katchi president Rama Ravikumar has asserted that the Karthigai Deepam lamp will be lit on Thiruparankundram hill this year, calling it a rightful revival of historical and spiritual traditions.
In a statement, he said the demand to light the lamp is not directed against any religious community. He also alleged that portraying the issue as a conspiracy is a “political imagination” of the Communist Party of India, adding that the petition does not seek the removal of the Sikandar dargah.
Ravikumar pointed out that a single judge, G.R. Swaminathan, and a Madras High Court division bench have delivered orders permitting the lighting of the lamp. He urged the court to initiate suo motu contempt proceedings against CPI state secretary Veerappandian for, he claimed, misrepresenting facts.
He further criticised Law Minister Nirmal Kumar for reportedly saying that the “practice from two years ago will continue,” arguing that such remarks raise questions about judicial independence. Ravikumar said the minister should withdraw the comment and apologise publicly.
