MK Stalin, the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, defended his son Udhayanidhi Stalin on Thursday, stating that he did not want to disrespect anyone's faith or beliefs when he shared his opinions regarding the discriminatory principles of the Sanatan Dharma. He regretted that "a false narrative" against the Tamil Nadu government's minister for sports and young affairs had been created by pro-BJP forces.
“He (Udhayanidhi) expressed his views on Sanatan principles that discriminate against scheduled castes, tribals, and women, with no intention to offend any religion or religious beliefs. Pro-BJP forces are unable to tolerate his stance against oppressive principles and have spread a false narrative, alleging that ‘Udhayanidhi called for the genocide of people with Sanatan thoughts,'” Stalin said in a statement. “The social media mob nurtured by the BJP has widely circulated this falsehood in northern states. However, Hon’ble Minister Udayanidhi never used the word genocide in either Tamil or English. Still, lies were spread claiming so.”
This comes after BJP IT department chief Amit Malviya said on X (formerly Twitter) that Udhayanidhi's statement "Sanatana Dharma should be eradicated" was a demand for the "genocide" of 80% of its adherents.
Stalin found it depressing that the prime minister stated during a meeting of his council of ministers that Udhayanidhi's comments needed a suitable response. “The Prime Minister has access to all the resources to verify any claim or report. So, is the Prime Minister speaking unaware of the lies spread about Udhayanidhi, or does he do so knowingly?,” he asked.
Udhayanidhi compared Sanatan Dharma to diseases like dengue and malaria during an event on Saturday. He argued that Sanatan Dharma should not only be opposed but even eradicated. Political parties reacted negatively to his remarks, with the BJP pressing the Congress to condemn them.
Son of All India Congress Committee President Mallikarjun Kharge and a supporter of the DMK politician, Priyank Kharge argued that any religion that does not uphold human dignity is equivalent to a sickness.
Following the controversy over Udhayanidhi's comments on Sanatan Dharma, the Uttar Pradesh Police have already filed charges against both Udhayanidhi and Priyank for allegedly inciting religious sentiment.
Udhayanidhi similarly charged that the BJP was "twisting" his views and used his comments as a ruse to divert attention. The Tamil Nadu leader declared that he would defend himself against all legal claims resulting from his words.