With the Sanatana Dharma Controversy, MK Stalin defended his son Udhayanidhi firmly asserting there was no call for genocide and the BJP was distorting his statement.
In a recent development, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has stepped forward to defend his son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, amidst the ongoing ‘Sanatana Dharma’ controversy. This incident follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reported call for his ministers to address Udhayanidhi Stalin’s statements on ‘Sanatana Dharma’ with a “proper response.”
In a statement, Stalin clarified that Udhayanidhi expressed his views on Sanatan principles, particularly those perceived to discriminate against scheduled castes, tribals, and women. He emphasized that Udhayanidhi had no intention of causing offense to any religious group or their beliefs. Stalin further asserted that certain pro-BJP factions had been unable to tolerate Udhayanidhi’s stance against what he viewed as oppressive principles.
Stalin went on to highlight that a false narrative had been propagated, suggesting that “Udhayanidhi called for the genocide of people with Sanatan thoughts.” He attributed the dissemination of this misleading narrative to the influence of a social media campaign associated with the BJP, particularly in northern states. Stalin clarified that Minister Udhayanidhi never used the term “genocide” in either Tamil or English during his expression of views. Nevertheless, false allegations of such statements had been widely circulated.
MK Stalin said, “Hon’ble Minister @UdhayStalin didn’t call for ‘genocide’ as distorted by BJP, but only spoke against discrimination. Disheartening to see the ‘responsible’ Hon’ble Prime Minister, Union Ministers, and BJP Chief Ministers ignore facts and be driven on fake narratives despite having all the access and resources to verify the facts.”
Hon'ble Minister @UdhayStalin didn't call for 'genocide' as distorted by BJP, but only spoke against discrimination. Disheartening to see the 'responsible' Hon'ble Prime Minister, Union Ministers and BJP Chief Ministers ignore facts and driven on fake narratives despite having… pic.twitter.com/F9yrdGjxqo
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) September 7, 2023
Addressing the situation, CM MK Stalin expressed his disapproval of the Prime Minister’s comments and highlighted the importance of a clear understanding of the context surrounding Udhayanidhi’s remarks. He maintained that it was unfair to pass judgments without a full comprehension of what his son had actually conveyed.
Furthermore, the controversy deepened when another DMK leader, A Raja, made remarks likening ‘Sanatana Dharma’ to ‘HIV’ and ‘leprosy,’ adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing debate.
This latest episode underscores the significance of maintaining open and informed dialogue on sensitive topics, with both sides seeking a more comprehensive understanding before passing judgment.
The use of religion as a divisive tool in Indian politics has been a subject of concern for some time. It is crucial for a democracy as diverse as India to uphold principles of religious freedom, secularism, and inclusivity to ensure the harmonious coexistence of its various religious communities. Public discourse and scrutiny play a vital role in holding political parties accountable for their actions and policies in this regard.
Udhayanidhi was not referring to eradicating Sanatana Dharma as he was referring to the ideology that has wrought forth much violence, with the recent one of Paramhans Acharya saying, “I will pay an Rs. 10 crore reward to anyone who beheads Stalin and delivers his head to me.” This was the mindset that Udhayanidhi was asking to be eradicated.