‘Fake Spirituality Won’t Work In TN’: Stalin Accuses BJP Of Dividing State On Religious Lines

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has sharply criticised what he termed as "fake spirituality" and political theatrics being used in the name of religion, warning that such tactics will not be tolerated in the state. His remarks come in the backdrop of the recent ‘Murugan Bhakthargal Maanadu’ (Lord Murugan Devotees’ Conference) organised by Hindu Munnani, which was widely viewed as a political outreach move by the BJP.

'Centre Trying To Divide TN People': Stalin

Speaking to ANI, Stalin alleged that the BJP, in collaboration with AIADMK, was attempting to divide Tamil Nadu’s population on religious and caste lines. "Those in the centre are trying to divide the people of Tamil Nadu in the name of religion, cast, etc, and they are doing this continuously. When they couldn't do it, they joined with the AIADMK party here."

Further, he said that BJP was claiming that religion was under threat in Tamil Nadu but the reality was that their alliance was in danger.  He added that "fake spirituality and political drama" would find no place in the state. 

The CM said the BJP initially tried to grow its membership through missed call campaigns, and after that failed, it is now resorting to misusing religion for political gain.

AIADMK Leaders' Presence In Murugan Conference Draws Ire

The Chief Minister’s statement follows criticism over AIADMK leaders participating in the Murugan conference, which sparked controversy after video clips shown at the event allegedly portrayed rationalist icons like Periyar and former Chief Minister CN Annadurai in a negative light. Although AIADMK officially distanced itself from the programme, the presence of several of its former ministers drew political heat, particularly from the ruling DMK.

In its defence, the AIADMK claimed its leaders had attended the event assuming it would be a spiritual gathering, not a platform for political provocation. The party has not yet commented on the controversial visuals displayed during the event.

BJP's Push With Lord Murugan

The Murugan conference is being seen by observers as part of the BJP’s continued effort to increase its footprint in Tamil Nadu by invoking religious symbols closely tied to Tamil identity. Lord Murugan, in particular, is revered as a quintessential Tamil deity. A similar effort was seen in 2020 with the BJP’s 'Vel Yatra', which attempted to rally support around religious sentiment but received a tepid response during the 2021 Assembly election campaign.

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