DMK leader and Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly Udhayanidhi Stalin courted controversy after calling for the “elimination” of Sanatan Dharma. Addressing the Tamil Nadu Parliament on Tuesday, Udhayanidhi said, “Sanathanam, which has separated people, must be eliminated.”
Tamil Nadu Minister and TVK General Secretary Aadhav Arjuna on Thursday took a cautious stance on Udhayanidhi’s controversial remarks, claiming that the DMK leader lacks proper understanding of the issue. He added that TVK is not against Hindus but against Hindutva, and said the meaning of ‘Sanatan Dharma’ is different in North and South India.
“Udhayanidhi Stalin does not know what Sanatan Dharma is… We Hindus, Muslims and Christians have always treated everyone equally… I personally have no faith in God, but as a minister, I have to show respect… We are not against Hindus; we are against Hindutva. Hindutva means imposing one religion… Of course, we have to treat everyone equally. Tamil Nadu has always been egalitarian… In the north, Sanatan Dharma means Hinduism. Tamil Nadu,” Arjuna said. Sanatan Dharma represents inequality… Of course, it must be made clear. “We are always against inequality, we are not against any religion.”
Read also | ‘Not a fearful person’: Udhayanidhi Stalin clarifies Sanatan Dharma observation, cites caste system
Udhayanidhi’s comments drew immediate criticism from the BJP, with party spokesman CR Kesavan describing them as “toxic bravado”.
“Udhayanidhi Stalin is Tamil Nadu’s Rahul Gandhi, promoting divisive hate politics. Rahul Gandhi mocked the sacred Singul, insulted and boycotted Pran Pratishtha’s ceremony at Ram Mandir. Like Rahul Gandhi, who has been rejected in the last three Lok Sabha elections, Udhayanidhi Stalin, despite being punished and rejected by the people of Tamil Nadu, continues his toxic rhetoric.”
“What better can you expect from the divisive DMK, which opposed the lighting of Karthigai Deepam and whose Chief Minister has never wished the people of Tamil Nadu on Deepavali? A DMK MP and former Union Minister has outrageously observed that Hinduism is not only a danger to India but to the entire world. These repeat offenders should keep in mind that the state emblem of Tamil Nadu has a temple gopuram, and the people of Tamil Nadu will not forget Or forgive and say such a blatant insult and insult to their faith and feelings.
Udhayanidhi has made similar statements in the past as well, which has drawn criticism not only from political leaders but also from the courts.
(with ANI inputs)
