Thiruparankundram, Tamil Nadu: Tension rose at Thiruparankundram hill on Monday evening after BJP leader H. Raja and other party workers tried to reach a disputed spot on the hill. Their attempt led to a long standoff with the police.
The dispute is connected to the Karthigai Deepam festival lamp lighting in December 2025. At the center of the controversy is the Kallathi tree, which is located on the land of the ancient Sri Subrahmanya Swamy Temple and is near a dargah.
The BJP has alleged that last year, members of the Muslim community hoisted a ceremonial flag on the tree during their annual festival. They claim this was an encroachment on the temple’s sacred tree (sthala vriksham).
Authorities deployed police forces to prevent any clashes and maintain peace on the hill. The incident has added to ongoing religious tensions in the area, with local leaders calling for calm and a peaceful resolution.