Chennai, 19 December (H.S.) : The Bharatiya Janata Party Tamil Nadu unit chief Nainar Nagenthran visited the Government Rajaji Hospital on Friday to meet the family of Poornachandran, who tragically set himself ablaze over the Karthigai Deepam dispute.

Addressing the media, the state chief demanded that the government provide a compensation of one crore rupees and a government job to the bereaved family. He emphasized that the financial aid should be granted without any political discrimination. On behalf of the BJP and other religious organizations, he also announced an immediate assistance of ten lakh rupees for the family members of the deceased.

Authorities from the BJP have held the ruling DMK government entirely responsible for the unfortunate incident. Nagenthran stated that the tragedy could have been avoided if the administration had respected the religious sentiments and the court directive regarding the festival rituals.

He further insisted that the ceremonial flame must be lit at the summit of the Thirupparankundram hill as per the long standing tradition. The visit took place amid intense protests by party cadres who gathered outside the hospital with banners demanding justice for the 40 year old man, who worked as a medical representative and auto driver.

Preliminary police investigations confirmed that Poornachandran had shared a voice message before taking the extreme step, explaining his distress over the lamp not being lit. He is survived by his wife and two young sons. While the local police have registered a case and are investigating the circumstances, heavy security has been deployed at the hospital and protest sites to maintain order.

Official statements from the state unit reiterated that the party would stand by the family and continue to fight for the cause that the deceased was passionate about. The incident has intensified the ongoing political and religious debate over the hilltop ritual in the region.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary