On this report from Madurai, India At this time Senior Editor Pramod Madhav particulars the escalating rigidity on the Thiruparankundram hill shrine over the Karthikai Deepam celebrations. A political confrontation has erupted between the ruling DMK and the NDA after police stopped devotees from lighting the holy lamp on the historical ‘Deepathoon’ pillar, positioned close to the Hazrat Sultan Sikandar Badushah Dargah. Whereas the Madras Excessive Court docket had earlier permitted the ritual, the state authorities challenged the choice citing regulation and order issues. Protesters have accused the Stalin authorities of ‘double requirements’ for permitting the Sandanakoodu pageant on the Dargah whereas blocking the Hindu ritual. The report additionally options robust political allegations claiming the DMK is utilizing the difficulty to consolidate votes for Udhayanidhi Stalin in Chepauk.