Banglore, Sept 04: Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and a state minister, sparked a political controversy with his recent comments equating ‘Sanatana Dharma’ with diseases like mosquitoes, Dengue, Malaria, fever, and Corona. His remarks have drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Here’s a roundup of reactions from political leaders and udhayanidhi’s clarification:
Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar: Chandrasekhar criticized Udhayanidhi for making derogatory remarks about ‘Sanatana Dharma’ and accused him of insulting thousands of Indians with his comments. He referred to Udhayanidhi as a “spoiled brat” and questioned his credentials, noting that he had not done any honest work in his life.
BJP Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla: Poonawalla called Udhayanidhi’s comments a “genocidal call” and accused him of being supported by Karti Chidambaram of the Congress party. He questioned whether this was an expression of love or hatred and raised concerns about a pattern of opposition against ‘Sanatana Dharma.’
Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai: Annamalai emphasized the significance and longevity of ‘Sanatana Dharma,’ describing it as an eternal, timeless faith. He condemned Udhayanidhi’s statements and warned against the eradication of a particular culture, likening it to genocide.
Congress Leader Acharya Pramod: Pramod highlighted the historical efforts to erase ‘Sanatan Dharma’ over a thousand years and stated that no one had succeeded in doing so. He criticized the trend of leaders abusing Hindus and their faith.
Congress Leader Rashid Alvi: Alvi commented on the politicization of religion in recent years and called for respect for all religions, stressing the importance of secularism in India’s diverse society. He acknowledged that the individual who made the comments was wrong but also held BJP leaders responsible for politicizing religion.
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UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya: Maurya warned against attempts to disrupt social harmony and condemned Udhayanidhi’s comments as an unsuccessful attempt to create malevolence within the community. He urged political leaders to refrain from making religious remarks.
Rajya Sabha MP and RJD Leader Manoj Jha: Jha encouraged deeper reflection on symbolic expressions and their meanings, suggesting that sometimes it is necessary to delve into their interpretations.
AAP Leader Sanjay Singh: Singh emphasized India’s diversity in terms of religions, castes, and languages and called for mutual respect among religions. He cautioned against making derogatory comments about any religion.
Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Clarification: In response to the backlash, Udhayanidhi Stalin clarified that he had not called for “genocide” against people following ‘Sanatana Dharma.’ He explained that when he mentioned doing away with ‘Sanatana Dharma,’ he meant eliminating the rigid caste system associated with it. He argued that uprooting ‘Sanatana Dharma’ was about upholding humanity and human equality.
While Udhayanidhi’s comments have fueled controversy and debates, his clarification attempts to provide context to his statements. The incident highlights the sensitivity surrounding religious comments in India’s diverse and pluralistic society, where respect for all faiths is a fundamental principle.
