Expressing disapproval of Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s recent comments on ‘Sanatan Dharma,’ Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has emphasized that it is inappropriate to incur the wrath of the entire nation, as his statement does not resonate with anyone.
Udhayanidhi, who is also the son of DMK president and Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin, represents the DMK party, a constituent of the opposition INDIA alliance.
Raut noted that while certain regions in South India may hold differing views on religion, they should keep those perspectives within their community. He stated, “It is not right to attract the anger of the entire country by making such remarks. No one agrees with the remarks made by Udhayanidhi on Sanatan Dharma. Even if such views are personal, they should keep it to themselves.” He also added, “He may have a personal view and it could be part of the Dravidian culture.”
Earlier in the week, Udhayanidhi had likened Sanatana Dharma to diseases like malaria and dengue. Seizing on this statement, the BJP has been targeting the INDIA alliance, a coalition of 28 opposition parties. Further intensifying the debate, DMK’s Lok Sabha MP and former Union minister A Raja likened it to diseases such as leprosy and HIV, both of which have social stigma attached. The BJP accused opposition leaders of harboring “deep-rooted Hinduphobia.”
Raut acknowledged that every religion has its beliefs and superstitions but highlighted that the push for change on issues like untouchability has emerged from within the Hindu religion itself. He remarked, “From Raja Rammohan Roy to Jyotiba Phule to B R Ambedkar, the country has seen many great social reformers, which is why Sanatan Dharma is still alive in the country.”
As the controversy over Raja and Udhayanidhi’s remarks escalated into a major political issue, the Congress sought to distance itself from their statements. Tamil Nadu CM Stalin accused the BJP of being ‘desperate’ to create divisions within the I.N.D.I.A. opposition bloc.
