Bharatiya Janata Party has criticised the arrangements made during the Maha Kumbabhishekam of the historic Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai, with Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary Vinoj P. Selvam raising questions about public access and the treatment of devotees.
The temple's Maha Kumbabhishekam was held on September 17, 2026 after 17 years. Preparatory rituals had begun earlier in September. For temple-related reasons, the main consecration ceremony took place in the morning and several rituals were conducted in the days leading up to it.
Selvam claimed that ordinary devotees were caught in a big inconvenience during the event and said that access to the consecration was largely restricted. He also criticised the presence of VIP guests, especially people associated with Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
Allegations Over Sanitation Workers' Darshan
Another point Selvam raised concerned sanitation workers.
He claimed that sanitation workers were not allowed darshan of the deity, claiming that they were treated primarily as workers responsible for cleaning rather than devotees who should also have been given an opportunity to worship.
These comments are part of BJP's broader criticism of the arrangements around the high-profile temple event. But the specific allegation about sanitation workers could not be independently verified from the reliable reports located during this check
#WATCH | Madurai, Tamil Nadu: On the BJP protest over arrangements during the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple Maha Kumbabhishekam, BJP Tamil Nadu State Secretary Vinoj P. Selvam says, "...On the 7th of September, when this event took place, the public was put to great… pic.twitter.com/QnQ2mHBUlv
— ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2026
BJP Targets Chief Minister Vijay
Selvam also used the issue to attack the functioning of the TVK-led Tamil Nadu government.
He also claimed that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is still talking about corruption in the previous DMK government and not explaining what had been done for former ministers.
Selvam also questioned the government’s approach to corruption allegations and claimed that simply referring to files or making statements in the Assembly was insufficient without corresponding action.
These are political allegations made by the BJP leader instead of independently gathered findings. So the remarks can be interpreted as political allegations and therefore must be seen in the context of the current political situation in Tamil Nadu.
Meenakshi Temple consecration held after 17 years
The Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple's Maha Kumbabhishekam attracted much attention for a 17-year wait. The main ceremony took place on September 17, and preparations and rituals had been made prior to it.
The arrangements had already attracted political attention prior to the ceremony. BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan had earlier told the state government to closely monitor the preparations and said some work appeared incomplete.
The latest BJP criticism therefore adds another political dimension to the debate over how the historic consecration was organised.
