Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], December 24 : A special train carrying 1,300 devotees on a six-day spiritual pilgrimage to Kashi, Ayodhya, and other religious destinations in North India departed from Chennai Central Railway Station on Wednesday morning.
Organised by the Sri Andal Devotees Association, the fully air-conditioned train will travel to Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Kashi, and Gaya before returning to Chennai after completing the pilgrimage.
The train was flagged off by senior BJP leaders Tamilisai Soundararajan, Pon Radhakrishnan, and H Raja. Speaking to reporters, BJP leader H Raja said the journey reflected growing spiritual participation among devotees.
"More than 1,300 devotees are undertaking a spiritual journey to Kashi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya under the banner of the Sri Andal Devotees Group," he said.
Referring to the Ram Temple, Raja added, "The Ram Temple issue, which had remained unresolved for 500 years in Babri, was resolved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Those visiting Kashi now can clearly see the difference between how the city was earlier and how it is now."
Senior BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan described the occasion as a moment of joy and pride. "It was a matter of great happiness that 1,300 devotees are visiting temples, including the Ram Temple, under the Sri Andal Devotees Association. They are actively working to uphold spirituality in Tamil Nadu and protect the rights of Hindus," she said.
Soundararajan criticised the Tamil Nadu government, alleging bias in religious outreach. "The Chief Minister has been attending Christmas celebrations continuously, including one yesterday and another the previous day and the day before, but never attends Hindu festivals," she claimed.
She also referred to the Thirupparankundram issue, saying, "Some people from other religions are arrogantly stating that their rights were protected by not lighting lamps at Thirupparankundram during Christmas celebrations, and H Raja has been continuously raising these concerns."
Alleging double standards, she said, "Those who oppose spirituality are on bail, and those who support spirituality are travelling by train on a pilgrimage." She further remarked, "Asking Hindus to vote for the BJP is labelled communal, whereas appealing to minorities to vote for certain parties is termed secular. Such spiritual journeys are necessary to break this narrative."