“He (Udayanidhi Stalin) Is A Junior”: Mamata Banerjee On ‘Sanatana Dharma’ Comments
Responding to Tamil Nadu minister and actor Udhayanidhi Stalin“s comments about Sanatana Dharma, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said he is a junior and “he may not know that (about Sanatana Dharma)”. Udhayanidhi, son of Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin, was quoted as saying: “Sanatana Dharma is against the idea of social justice and must be eradicated”.
The political row over Stalin Junior”s comments made two days ago has refused to die down, as the ruling BJP and its ministers, including home minister Amit Shah, continue to attack the Opposition INDIA bloc. The home minister has said the comments were made for the purpose of votebank appeasement and they have insulted “Sanatan dharma”.
“I have great regard for Tamil Nadu people… full of South India and Stalin ji also. I respect him. My humble request to them… We should not be involved in any matter which might hurt a section of people. May be he (Udayanidhi Stalin) is a junior. He may not be knowing that. I feel that they have to respect every religion,” the West Bengal chief minister told news agency PTI.
“Every religion has separate sentiments. India has different castes and different religions, and India is for that. India is a secular country. India is a democratic country. And at the same time “Unity in Diversity” is our origin. I respect Sanatan Dharma,” Ms Banerjee said.
Earlier in the day, Congress general secretary in charge of political affairs and senior leader KC Venugopal had said that all need to respect all religions, and said every political party “has the freedom to their views”. Mr Venugopal said Congress “respects everybody”s beliefs.”
The Congress leader said the party”s view is clear and “Sarva Dharma Samabhava” is the Congress ideology.
However, Stalin Junior stood firm on his words and said he spoke on behalf of the oppressed and marginalized, who suffer due to the Sanatan Dharma.
“Sanatan Dharma is a principle that divides people in the name of caste and religion. Uprooting Sanatan Dharma is upholding humanity and human equality. I am ready to present the extensive writings of Periyar and Ambedkar, who conducted in-depth research on Sanatan Dharma and its negative impact on society in any forum,” he said in an X post.
“Let me reiterate the crucial aspect of my speech: I believe, like the spread of diseases like COVID-19, Dengue, and Malaria by mosquitoes, that Sanatan Dharma is responsible for many social evils. I am prepared to confront any challenges that come my way, whether in a court of law or the people”s court. Stop spreading fake news,” Mr Udhayanidhi Stalin said.
