Mon Dec 08 18:55:44 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article rewrite of the provided text:

Summary:

A BJP is gaining traction in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India, according to election data from 2024 as compared to 2016. Despite lacking strong regional allies in 2024, the BJP significantly increased its vote share in several Assembly segments, even exceeding 20% in five of eight. The article highlights the controversy surrounding a traditional lamp at the Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Thirupparankundram, with the BJP asserting its involvement is to protect Hindu heritage, not solely for electoral gain. It states that BJP has been dealing with this issue for 40 years.

News Article:

BJP Gains Ground in Madurai Amid Temple Controversy

CHENNAI – December 9, 2025 – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has seen a notable increase in its support base within the Madurai district of Tamil Nadu, according to an analysis of election results from the 2024 Lok Sabha election. The rise comes as the party aggressively pursues a controversy surrounding the lighting of a traditional lamp at the Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Thirupparankundram.

Data reveals a significant improvement in the BJP’s performance compared to the 2016 Assembly election, despite contesting both elections without the support of major regional parties like the DMK or AIADMK. In 2024, the BJP allied with smaller parties, including the AMMK and PMK.

In five out of the eight Assembly segments analyzed, the BJP’s vote share surpassed 20%, reaching a high of 32.3% in Madurai South. This is a substantial leap from 2016, where the party largely struggled to reach double-digit vote shares.

Political analysts point to the breakdown of the BJP’s alliance with the AIADMK, along with other factors, as potential drivers behind the increased support.

The controversy surrounding the Thirupparankundram temple has put the BJP in the spotlight. Veteran party members like K.S. Radhakrishnan deny accusations that the party is merely exploiting the issue for political gain. Instead, they maintain the BJP is acting to protect “nationalism, Hindu heritage, and the living culture and traditions of the country.” BJP veteran H. Raja emphasized that this controversy has existed for 40 years, with Hindu Munnani leader P. Rajagopalan having been murdered in 1994 for his involvement.

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