IUML MP Navas Kani Challenges BJP's Annamalai: 'Prove Non-Veg Claim At Thiruparankundram Hill Or Step Down...'

On January 22, 2025, Kani visited the Sikandar Malai Dargah and Annamalai alleged that Kani and his group carried and consumed cooked non-vegetarian food near the dargah.

As part of the protest, Nawaz Kani visited the Sikandar Dargah on January 22.

Source : X

A political controversy snowballed after Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai accused Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MP Navas Kani of consuming non-vegetarian food at the sacred Thiruparankundram Subramanya Swamy hill in Madurai. On the other hand, Navas Kani dared TN BJP chief to prove his claim and assured that he would step down if the claim is proven. 

Thiruparankundram Subramanya Swamy hill in Madurai is revered as the first of the six abodes of Lord Murugan. Sikandar Malai Dargah is also located on the Thiruparankundram hill making it a revered place for both Hindus and Muslims.

After Navas Kani's recent visit, Annamalai said, as per a report on PTI, "It is very unfortunate that a sitting MP, who has taken an oath to follow the secular values of India's Constitution, has chosen to go to a place, that has been sacred for thousands of years for the Hindu community, and eat non-veg food there, trying to provoke outrage." He added that Kani’s actions were "provocative" and had the potential to incite communal tensions.

In response, MP Navas Kani denied the allegations and issued a challenge, while addressing reporters, "Can Annamalai prove that I consumed non-vegetarian food at Thiruparankundram Subramanya Swamy hill? If he proves it, I will resign from my position. If not, will he promise to step down as Tamil Nadu BJP chief?"

மதுரை மற்றும் மதுரை சுற்றுவட்டார அனைத்து மக்களுக்கும் நன்றாக தெரியும் நூற்றாண்டு காலமாக பழமை மிக்க சிக்கந்தர் தர்கா மலை மீது அமைந்துள்ளது, அங்கு ஆண்டாண்டு காலமாக ஆடு கோழிகள் நேர்ச்சை செய்யப்பட்டு உணவு வழங்கப்பட்டு கொண்டிருக்கிறது என்று.

தற்போது ஏதோ புதிதாக அசைவ உணவு கொண்டு…

— K.NavasKani MP (@KNavaskani) January 22, 2025

 

Navas Kani also asserted on X, "Muslims and Hindus worshipped there for a long time without any problems or disputes. We will continue to uphold the harmony we have maintained for years."

On January 22, 2025, Kani visited the Sikandar Malai Dargah and Annamalai alleged that Kani and his group carried and consumed cooked non-vegetarian food near the dargah. The incident came after an earlier issue six months ago when a family was stopped from performing a goat sacrifice at the dargah, with police citing the hill's shared religious significance.

This sparked a controversy, leading Islamic organisations to protest over the past week, demanding permission to cook and serve non-vegetarian food during family feasts at the Dargah. As part of the protest, Nawaz Kani visited the Sikandar Dargah.

However, till now reports indicate no explicit ban on carrying cooked food. However, transporting sheep and poultry to the hill is restricted.