MK Stalin Highlights Centre's Neglect of Madurai Development Projects Amid Temple Lamp Controversy

The BJP has urged the DMK to avoid politicizing development matters.

As the BJP intensifies its criticism of the ruling DMK over an alleged "anti-Hindu stance" in the Thirupparankundram lamp lighting controversy, Chief Minister MK Stalin has redirected attention to the Centre's performance, accusing it of neglecting crucial infrastructure projects for Madurai, including the long-awaited AIIMS hospital and Metro Rail development.

Connecting political discourse to regional development, Stalin stated on X on Friday: "People will decide if Madurai requires politics or Metro rail and AIIMS and industrial development."

The Chief Minister's statement appears to be a direct criticism of the BJP-led Centre, which the DMK claims has delayed, weakened, or dismissed key proposals essential for the temple city's growth.

Despite the Union government announcing AIIMS for Madurai in 2018, the project has shown no substantial progress after seven years. The DMK has consistently accused the BJP of discrimination, noting that the AIIMS approved for then BJP-governed Himachal Pradesh during the same period is already operational.

This delay has become a significant political issue in southern Tamil Nadu, with the DMK arguing that the Centre has failed to fulfill its commitment to one of the state's most important regions.

The Centre recently rejected Tamil Nadu government's Metro Rail proposals for Madurai and Coimbatore, citing population requirements. The DMK responded by highlighting that the Union Government has approved Metro projects in non-capital, tier-2 cities in BJP-governed states, including Agra and Indore.

BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan countered by stating that the Centre has supported the state with additional Vande Bharat trains, urging the DMK to keep development separate from politics.

Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa also expressed support for Stalin on X, accusing the BJP of undermining the city as it prepares to host a major investment summit.

"We are giving Madurai a new international identity - a temple city that is also a hub for IT services, modern manufacturing and world-class jobs. Instead of supporting this growth, the BJP and its allies are trying to tarnish Madurai's image in front of the whole world!" Rajaa wrote.

Responding to BJP criticism regarding the Thirupparankundram deepam issue - where the BJP accused the DMK of obstructing the High Court-directed lamp lighting on the ancient pillar - Rajaa defended the state government's handling of the situation.

"They are spreading blatant lies that the deepam was not lit. We all saw that it was, at the same place it has been lit for over 100 years, following tradition without deviation!"

With both parties sharpening their rhetoric, the political confrontation surrounding faith, development and regional pride seems poised to escalate as Tamil Nadu approaches Assembly elections next year.