PM Modi responds to Sanatan Dharma controversy : Asks ministers to "stick to the facts".

While speaking at a council of ministers ahead of G20 summit, PM Narendra Modi responded to the “Sanatana Dharma” controversy kindled by Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.

As per reports, Mr. Modi asked his ministers to give befitting reply to Mr. Stalin. “Do not delve into history but stick to the facts as per the constitution, also speak about the contemporary situation of the issue”, he said.

He also advised the issue not to be over shadowed by Bharat vs India row and asked only authorised personnel to reply to the ongoing row.

Tamil Nadu minister and actor Udhaynidhi Stalin has caught eyeballs for his statement on Sanatana Dharma. He drew parallel between Sanatana Dharma and diseases like Malaria, dengue and corona virus which he remarked not to be opposed but to be abolished. His this statement pulled backlash from across the country.

Amit Malvya, BJP” IT department head reacted to this by stating that Mr. Stalin is calling for genocide of over 80% of the population. West Bengal CM Mamata Banarjee made her stand clear on the issue. She stated that individuals should refrain from making comments that could potentially hurt the religious sentiments of people.

According to reports, junior Stalin and Priyanka Kharge, son of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, were booked under section 295 A (deliberate and malicious acts to outrage religious feelings) and 153 A (promoting enmity between different religious groups) of IPC at Civil Line police station of Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur.

Despite the backlashes and threats, Mr. Stalin stay put to his comment refusing to apologise.

(With inputs from news agencies)