In an exclusive interview with Organiser Weekly, Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran shared his candid and clear views with Senior Correspondent TS Venkatesan on the recently concluded Madurai Murugan Conference and the current political climate in Tamil Nadu. Excerpts from the conversation:
Despite the hurdles posed by the DMK government, how do you view the success of the Murugan Conference?
The current ruling DMK government has consistently shown an aversion to Hindu unity. This has been the case for the past 50 years or so. The world knows that the Bhagwan Murugan conference is a peaceful assembly of Hindu devotees. The DMK feared that such a gathering would lead to the consolidation of Hindus, which threatens their political survival. With this in mind, they attempted to obstruct the conference—both directly and indirectly.
They moved the court through proxies, alleging that the proposed conference would incite communal tensions and create law and order problems. Ironically, this became a blessing in disguise. Devotees began to question: “We are organising a festival for our Bhagwan Murugan. His devotees are gathering peacefully. Why should others object or express concern?” This led to a larger realisation—that there were ulterior motives behind these objections. People started questioning why the government was interfering with rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
The court sided with justice. It refused to accept the government’s unfounded concerns and impractical conditions. Enraged and aggrieved by the government’s attitude, devotees resolved to attend the conference at any cost. The turnout of over five lakhs was a reflection of their anger and disappointment with the way the matter was handled. The gathering was spontaneous and organic. No one was lured with money. They did not come for biryani, a quarter bottle of liquor, Rs. 200 cash, or free rides on lorries.
They came because they are Tamils, and Murugan is their deity. Earlier this year, when fringe elements created unrest in Thiruparankundram—Murugan’s first abode—people turned up in large numbers to protest, within an hour of receiving court approval. That same zeal brought them to the conference. Their awareness is the true reason for the success of the June 22 Madurai conference.
What, in your view, are the key takeaways from this conference—both socially and politically?
Tamil Nadu is home to people from various religions, castes, and communities—Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and the Most Backward Classes—all co-existing in a culturally diverse environment. The DMK, following the colonial “divide and rule” formula, has long exploited caste and religious divisions for political gain.
Pretending to be protectors of minority rights, they have been misleading these communities for years in return for en masse votes. The Murugan Conference, however, succeeded in uniting various Hindu sects, sparking what I consider a social revolution.
Temples dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva, Murugan, Vinayagar, and various goddesses are spread across Bharat, as are thousands of temples for Vishnu, Krishna, and Mahalakshmi. Continuously organising festivals in these temples fosters Hindu unity and transcends internal differences. In my view, consistent cultural mobilisation like this will eventually unseat the atheist DMK regime in Tamil Nadu.
The conference was a confluence of devotees from all castes, who experienced darshan of miniature models of Murugan’s six abodes in one place—a great blessing for many. The record attendance proved the community’s growing unity and spiritual awakening. Socially and politically, this event has been a resounding success for Hindus who have longed for such moments of unity. I have no doubt about that.
Are there any political assurances or commitments you would like to make that resonate with the spirit of this conference?
The BJP has been making consistent efforts to strengthen itself and foster unity across all sections of society. People from all regions and backgrounds are joining the BJP to work for national development. The Murugan conference in Madurai shattered the false, oft-repeated narratives of the Dravidian parties—that the BJP is communal and not secular.
That lie was exposed by the overwhelming participation of people from all communities. The event highlighted the DMK’s real face. The growing unity among Hindus will enable the BJP to take the next step in Tamil Nadu’s political evolution.
The DMK has openly declared its intent to eradicate Sanatana Dharma from Tamil Nadu. In that context, what message does this conference send to the people of the state?
Sanatana Dharma is nothing but the Hindu way of life—lived within dharmic, regulated principles. Without understanding its essence, the DMK, Dravidar Kazhagam, and self-proclaimed rationalists have been spreading misinformation that shastras and rituals associated with Sanatana Dharma are oppressive. This is an outright lie.
Those who once thundered about “eradicating” Sanatana Dharma are now being pulled into courtrooms across the country. They are unable to justify their vile remarks. The judiciary has rebuked them and exposed the hollowness of their arguments.
Bhagwan Murugan is the commander of Sanatana Dharma. His father, Bhagwan Shiva, symbolises it. Hinduism is the very soul of Sanatana Dharma. Devotees attending this conference are living examples of those who still uphold rituals and customs with devotion.
As long as the Earth exists, Sanatana Dharma will endure. No one can destroy it. It will live on with the breath of the last Hindu. That is the message this conference has delivered to the world.
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