Chennai: Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin remained defiant over his controversial remark calling for the eradication of ‘Sanatana Dharma’, which has triggered a massive political controversy across the country.
“I spoke at a function about it (Sanatana Dharma). Whatever I said, I’ll repeat the same thing again and again…I included all the religions and not just Hindus…I spoke condemning the caste differences that’s all…”, the DMK leader said.
Addressing a meeting organized by the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers Artists Association, Udhayanidhi Stalin had said that Sanatana was against the idea of social justice and had to be eradicated.
“A few things cannot be opposed, that should be abolished only. We can’t oppose dengue, mosquitoes, malaria, or corona. We have to eradicate this, that’s how we have to eradicate Sanatana. Rather opposing Sanatana it should be eradicated,” he was quoted as saying.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first reaction to the Sanatana Dharma controversy, has said the remarks of Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin “needs proper response”.
The Bharatiya Janata Party launched an all out attack against the DMK leader, accusing him of calling for genocide against the Hindus, an allegation rejected by Udhayanidhi later.
“Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, and a minister in the DMK Govt, has linked Sanatana Dharma to malaria and dengue… He is of the opinion that it must be eradicated and not merely opposed. In short, he is calling for genocide of 80% population of Bharat, who follow Sanatana Dharma”, BJP’s IT cell head Amit Malviya had posted on X.
In reply, Udhayanidhi had said, “I never called for the genocide of people who are following Sanatan Dharma. Sanatana Dharma is a principle that divides people in the name of caste and religion. Uprooting Sanatana Dharma is upholding humanity and human equality. I stand firmly by every word I have spoken”.
The saffron party and several religious leaders have condemned Udhayanidhi Stalin over his remark. The Congress, which happens to be DMK’s ruling ally in the state, said it respects all religions but every political party has the right to express their views.
Complaint lodged against Stalin in Lucknow
A complaint against Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has been filed by the members of Hindu Mahasabha over his controversial remarks on ‘Sanatana Dharma’. The Mahasabha members have demanded legal action against him.
State president of Hindu Mahasabha, Rishi Trivedi along with many other members of the outfit, reached Hazratganj police station and handed over the complaint letter, requesting to register a case under various IPC sections.
“Son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has publicly insulted Sanatana Dharma and Hindus by calling Sanatana Dharma as dengue, corona and infectious diseases. There is a lot of anger among the Hindus and saints due to such statements,” said Trivedi.
