Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayniti Stalin's Comment on Sanatana Dharma Sparks Political Row ( image @udhy_stalin)
Udhayanidhi Stalin, actor and Tamil Nadu minister for youth welfare and sports development remarked that “Sanatana Dharma is responsible for many social evils”, which kindled a political row. He is the son of Tamil Nadu Chief minister M.K. Stalin.
While addressing a conference organised by Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers Artists Association on the theme of “eradication of Sanatana” on saturday, Mr. Stalin paralleled Sanatana Dharma with disease like malaria, dengue and corona.
” A few things cannot be opposed, that should be abolished only. We can”t oppose dengue, mosquitoes, malaria and corona. We have to eradicate this. That”s how we have to eradicate Sanatana. Rather opposing Sanatan, it should be eradicated”. Udhayanidhi was quoted as saying.
He also thanked the organisers for naming the conference as “Sanatana Abolition Conference” rather than “Anti-Sanatana Conference”.
Mr.Stalin”s remark caused backlash on social media with many calling out to take legal actions against the Tamil Nadu minister.
Bharatiya Janata Party IT Cell head Amit Malviya wrote down in X (formerlt Twitter) that Mr.Stalin is calling for the genocide of 80% of the Bharat”s population.
Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of Tamilnadu 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… pic.twitter.com/4G8TmdheFo
— Amit Malviya (मोदी का परिवार) (@amitmalviya) September 2, 2023
To which Mr.Stalin replied that he never called for genocide of people following it but stated that Sanatana Dharma is the cause of religious and caste discrimination and uprooting sanatana Dharma is upholding humanity and human equality.
I never called for the genocide of people who are following 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 stand firmly by every word I have spoken. I spoke… https://t.co/Q31uVNdZVb
— Udhay (@Udhaystalin) September 2, 2023
He aslo added that he is ready to face any legal actions taken against him for this matter.
Bring it on. I am ready to face any legal challenge. We will not be cowed down by such usual saffron threats. We, the followers of Periyar, Anna, and Kalaignar, would fight forever to uphold social justice and establish an egalitarian society under the able guidance of our… https://t.co/nSkevWgCdW
— Udhay (@Udhaystalin) September 2, 2023
Mr.Malviya also took a dig at the congress-led INDIA alliance by saying that if given a chance, INDIA will annihilate the millenia old civilisation called Bharath.
Udhayanidhi Stalin’s hate speech with Hindi subtitles.
Rahul Gandhi speaks of ‘मोहब्बत की दुकान’ but Congress ally DMK’s scion talks about eradicating Sanatana Dharma. Congress’s silence is support for this genocidal call…
I.N.D.I Alliance, true to its name, if given an… https://t.co/hfTVBBxHQ5 pic.twitter.com/ymMY04f983
— Amit Malviya (मोदी का परिवार) (@amitmalviya) September 2, 2023
Tamil Nadu BJP Chief, K Annamalai responded by stating that the only resolve the Gopalapuram family has is to accumulate wealth beyond the state GDP and criticised his idealogue to be a bought-out idea from Christian missionaries.
The only resolve that the Gopalapuram Family has is to accumulate wealth beyond the State GDP.
Thiru @Udhaystalin, you, your father, or his or your idealogue have a bought-out idea from Christian missionaries & the idea of those missionaries was to cultivate dimwits like you to… https://t.co/sWVs3v1viM
— K.Annamalai (மோடியின் குடும்பம்) (@annamalai_k) September 2, 2023
He also connected the minister”s comment with the third gathering of opposition alliance which happe ed in Mumbai asking whether was a collectively entertained notion.
BJP spokesperson Shahzad Poonawalla also took a shot at Mr.Stalin by stating his remark as genocidal call.
While Congress leader Nana Patole stated that Congress does not want to comment on any religion or hurt anyone”s sentiments.
