Tamil Nadu Vaiko said: Religious fundamentalism is increasing in the judiciary.

At a press conference held at his party headquarters in Egmore, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) founder and general secretary Vaiko alleged a dangerous increase in “religious fanaticism” within the judiciary. His comments came after a Madras High Court Madurai bench ruling regarding the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam lamp on Tirupparankundram hill.

According to Vaiko, the judge delivered the verdict “arbitrarily.” He openly accused the judge of colluding with “Hindutva forces” and described the ruling as “poison” emanating from the judge’s mind. Vaiko stated, “If you want to align yourself with Hindutva forces and spew venom, then you should resign from that judicial post.” He warned that such actions erode public trust in judicial impartiality.

Vaiko also spoke of a larger political conspiracy. He accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological ally, the RSS, of deliberately fomenting religious conflict in Tamil Nadu for electoral gain. He argued that historically, worship at the Murugan temple in Tirupparankundram had never resulted in communal tensions – but recent court rulings and political interference had created unrest.

In response, Vaiko announced that his party would conduct a 190-kilometer “Equality March” from January 2nd to January 12th. He said the march aims to draw attention to the rising drug use in the state and to stand against communal polarization. He further stated that he expects other opposition leaders and parties – including members of his alliance – to join the protest.