A political controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu over remarks made by state minister Udhayanidhi Stalin regarding Sanatan Dharma, with prominent figures from both the BJP and Congress entering the fray.
In response to Udhayanidhi’s comments, the Congress party has maintained a cautious distance from the controversy, refraining from taking a definitive stance on the matter. Congress leader Karti Chidambaram has argued that Udhayanidhi’s intended meaning was the elimination of the caste hierarchical system, often referred to as “Sanatan Dharma” in common Tamil parlance. Chidambaram clarified that there was no call for genocide in Udhayanidhi’s statement.
On the other hand, the BJP has vehemently accused the opposition alliance INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance), suggesting that they have discussed Sanatan Dharma for the sake of votebank appeasement and have consequently insulted it. BJP’s Amit Malviya went a step further, accusing Udhayanidhi Stalin of effectively calling for the eradication of 80% of the country’s population by proposing the elimination of Sanatan Dharma.
Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman entered the fray by sharing an old video featuring Tamil Nadu Congress chief KS Alagiri, where he claimed that the alliance’s purpose in the state was to destroy both Dharma and the BJP. Sitharaman also highlighted that when Udhayanidhi Stalin made his statement regarding the eradication of Sanatan Dharma, Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, PK Sekar Babu, was present and did not raise any objections.
Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, has remained steadfast in his stance. He contends that Sanatan Dharma has been a divisive force, particularly along caste lines. Drawing an analogy, he likened Sanatan Dharma to diseases like malaria and dengue, suggesting that it should be eradicated rather than merely opposed.
The heart of the controversy revolves around differing interpretations of the term “Sanatan Dharma.” While some argue that it refers to the caste hierarchical system and the need to eliminate it, others see it as a reference to Hindutva and the perceived threat it poses to social cohesion.
Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks have sparked a vigorous debate over their meaning, intent, and political implications. Both the BJP and Congress have engaged in a heated exchange of words over this issue, highlighting the sensitive nature of discussions related to religion and identity in Indian politics.
