Shillong, September 20: Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare, Udhayanidhi Stalin, has reignited controversy with remarks regarding Sanatan Dharam.
He made the statement during a media interaction, asserting that eliminating Sanatan Dharam would eradicate untouchability.
As per IANS, Udhayanidhi, a prominent DMK leader and the son of Chief Minister MK Stalin, explained, “We advocate for the abolition of Sanatan Dharam with the sole aim of eradicating untouchability. I firmly believe that dismantling Sanatan Dharam will also dismantle untouchability.”
This statement was in response to remarks made by Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi about social discrimination in the state.
Earlier, Udhayanidhi had likened Sanatan Dharam to diseases like dengue and malaria, calling for its eradication. This sparked a nationwide controversy, with the BJP condemning it as a call for Hindu genocide.
Amit Malviya, the head of BJP’s IT cell, accused the DMK leader of promoting genocide against the Hindu population, which constitutes 80% of India’s total population. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also publicly criticized Udhayanidhi for allegedly endorsing genocide.
In response to the backlash and opposition from various quarters, the DMK shifted its stance. Chief Minister MK Stalin clarified that the BJP and NDA were attempting to divert attention from corruption issues within the Modi government. He emphasized the need to address corruption, citing CAG reports, and called for unity against the BJP-NDA alliance on this matter.
