Sanatan Dharma is responsible for many social evils: Udhayanidhi
Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks have sparked a major row, with the BJP strongly criticizing him.
Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, made controversial remarks about Sanatana Dharma.
Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and a minister in the state government, made controversial remarks about Sanatana Dharma at a meeting of the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers Forum on Saturday. He said that Sanatana Dharma is against the idea of social justice and must be “eradicated”. He compared Sanatana Dharma with diseases like dengue and malaria, saying that it “must be eradicated and not opposed”.
His remarks have sparked a major row, with the BJP strongly criticizing him. The BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit has decided to initiate an extensive campaign against Stalin’s statement. The Congress, on the other hand, has been tight-lipped on the issue.
BJP’s Amit Malviya wrote, “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 follow Sanatan Dharma. DMK is a prominent member of the Opposition block and a long standing ally of the Congress. Is this what was agreed in the Mumbai meet?”
After the controversy, Udhayanidhi Stalin said that his remarks had been misinterpreted. He said that he did not mean to offend anyone and that he was only trying to highlight the need for social justice.
Udhayanidhi Remark Sparks Controversy
Refuting this allegation, Stalin posted, “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 on behalf of the oppressed & marginalized, who suffer due to the Sanatan Dharma.”
“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. 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.”
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.
— Udhay (@Udhaystalin) September 2, 2023
I stand firmly by every word I have spoken. I spoke… https://t.co/Q31uVNdZVb
Sanatana Dharma is a broad term that refers to the ancient Indian religious tradition. It is often used interchangeably with Hinduism. Stalin’s remarks have been condemned by many people, including religious leaders and scholars. They have argued that his comments are insensitive.
Stalin’s remarks seem to have further polarised the religious debate in India.
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