Pongal 2026 News | 'Dravidian Pongal' Row, Opposition Alleges DMK Diluting Hindu Identity
Ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, a political row has erupted over Pongal celebrations, with the BJP and the AIADMK accusing the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam of distancing the harvest festival from its Hindu religious roots. The opposition has targeted Chief Minister M. K. Stalin over what it calls a rebranding of Pongal as a "Dravidian" or secular celebration, questioning the absence of traditional Sun God worship. The DMK has rejected the charge, saying its focus is on inclusivity, social justice, and community celebration. With welfare announcements and elections approaching, the Pongal debate has emerged as a fresh flashpoint in Tamil Nadu politics.
