New Delhi: Tamil Nadu’s Youth Welfare and Sports Development Minister, Udhayanidhi Stalin, has ignited a firestorm of controversy with his recent comments comparing ‘Sanatana Dharma’ to diseases like malaria, dengue, and coronavirus. His remarks have led to widespread outrage on social media and garnered a threat of legal action from a legal rights organization linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Controversial statements
Addressing a gathering at the ‘Sanatana Abolition Conference’ in Chennai, Udhayanidhi Stalin expressed his views on ‘Sanatana Dharma.’ He asserted that it should not merely be opposed but completely “abolished.” He went on to say that ‘Sanatana Dharma’ stands against principles of equality and social justice.
He stated, “Few things cannot be opposed, that should be abolished only. We can’t oppose dengue, malaria, mosquito, or coronavirus, we have to eradicate them. That’s how we have to eradicate Sanatana. Instead of opposing Sanatana, it should be eradicated.”
Outcry and legal threat
Udhayanidhi’s comments triggered a massive outcry from BJP leaders and social media users, who accused him of offending Hindu sentiments. A legal rights organization linked to the RSS threatened him with legal action in response to his controversial remarks.
In response to this threat, Udhayanidhi affirmed his readiness to face any legal challenge and rejected “saffron threats.” He emphasized their commitment to challenging the presence of ‘Sanatana Dharma’ in Tamil Nadu and promoting social justice under the leadership of Chief Minister MK Stalin.
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
Criticism and rebuttal
Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai criticized Udhayanidhi, suggesting that his ideas were influenced by Christian missionaries. He accused the DMK leader’s family of prioritizing wealth accumulation over the state’s welfare.
Amit Malviya, the head of the BJP IT cell, condemned the minister for seemingly calling for the “genocide of 80 percent of India’s population who follow Sanatana Dharma.”
‘Oppressed and marginalised suffered due Sanatana Dharama’
Udhayanidhi countered these allegations, clarifying that he did not advocate for the genocide of ‘Sanatana Dharma’ followers. Instead, he claimed to speak on behalf of the “oppressed and marginalized” who suffer due to ‘Sanatana Dharma.’ He argued that this belief system divides people based on caste and religion, and uprooting it represents a commitment to humanity and human equality.
He also expressed his willingness to provide extensive writings by Periyar and Ambedkar, who conducted profound research on ‘Sanatana Dharma’ and its societal impact. Additionally, he called on Amit Malviya to refrain from spreading false information.
Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks have ignited a heated debate, with criticism from various quarters and his steadfast commitment to his perspective on ‘Sanatana Dharma.’ The controversy surrounding his statements continues to reverberate in Tamil Nadu and beyond.
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