Chennai: Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin told an event on Monday that he would not apologise for his remarks on Santana Dharma which flared up a controversy in the state last year, India Today reported.
Udhayanidhi Stalin claimed that he was echoing the view of Dravidian leaders like Periyar, former Chief Minister CN Annadurai, and M Karunanidhi when he called for ‘eradication’ of Sanatana Dharma.
The DMK leader said he was addressing what he said repressive practices against women alongside claiming that his words were misinterpreted.
Udhayanidhi added that ‘Women were not allowed to study. They were unable to leave their homes, and if their husbands died, they would have to die as well. Thanthai Periyar spoke against all of this. I echoed what Periyar, Anna, and Kalaignar said’.
The DMK leader in September 2023 compared Sanatana dharma with "dengue" and "malaria" asserting that it should be ‘eradicated’ rather than opposing it.
Claiming that his words were twisted, Udhayanidhi said cases were filed against him in Tamil Nadu and elsewhere, adding that ‘They asked me to apologise, but I stand by what I said’.
Asserting further he said ‘I'm the grandson of Kalaignar, and I will not apologise’ and added that he will face all the cases against him.
He alleged that certain words were deliberately removed from Tamil Nadu anthem during a Doordarshan Tamil programe which he termed as part of an attempt to impose Hindi on the state.