In a growing political controversy, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded an apology from Congress and INDIA coalition leaders following the controversial remarks made by Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin regarding Sanatana Dharma.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while flagging off the BJP’s ‘Parivartan Sankalp Yatra’ from Ramdevara in Jaisalmer, criticized the Congress ally DMK for insulting Sanatan Dharma. Singh questioned the silence of Congress leader Ashok Gehlot and party president Sonia Gandhi on this matter. He called for an apology from both the Congress and INDIA coalition leaders.
Udhayanidhi Stalin’s comments have sparked a political storm. During a meeting of the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers and Artists Association, he alleged that Sanatana Dharma is against social justice and should be eradicated. He likened it to diseases such as coronavirus, malaria, and dengue fever, suggesting that these things should not be opposed but destroyed.
Udhayanidhi reiterated his stance on Monday, defending his remarks by stating, “The day before yesterday, 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.”
He explained that Sanatan Dharma, which translates to “eternal religion,” has historically divided people on the basis of caste, and he believes it is against equality and social justice.
The DMK leader further stated on the microblogging site, “Sanatan Dharma is a principle that divides people in the name of caste and religion.” He asserted that uprooting Sanatan Dharma is a step towards upholding humanity and human equality.
While Udhayanidhi’s comments have triggered a debate and garnered both support and criticism, the BJP’s demand for an apology highlights the political polarization surrounding this issue.
