‘Ghamandia’ INDI bloc wants to destroy Sanatana Dharma: PM Modi
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New Delhi: In a scathing attack on the Opposition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday accused the INDIA bloc of posing a threat to ‘Sanatana Dharma’, and therefore, to the country's culture and citizens.
Calling the opposition INDIA alliance as "ghamandia" (arrogant), the Prime Minister alleged that it wants to destroy Sanatan Dharma.
He was speaking after laying the foundation stone of a ₹49,000 crore-worth petrochemicals complex at Bina refinery in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh along with 10 industrial projects in the state.
"The 'ghamandia' (INDIA) alliance (leaders) met in Mumbai recently. They neither have any policies or issues nor a leader. They have a hidden agenda of attacking Sanatan Dharma, which they want to destroy," he said.
"A few groups are working to divide the country and society... They have come together to form an INDI alliance. They have also decided on a hidden agenda to attack India's culture. The INDI alliance has come with a resolution to end 'Sanatan' culture," he said.
The controversy erupted following Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remark about "eradicating Sanatana Dharma”, saying that it was against social justice and hence needed to be abolished.
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PM Modi had previously urged his ministers to deliver a “proper response to this remark”.
The Prime Minister criticised the INDIA alliance for their alleged intent to destroy the Sanatana tradition, which he claimed has been a source of inspiration for many.
He said that the call for the “eradication of Sanatana Dharma” has crossed a line and should not go unchallenged.
“Today, they have openly started targeting Sanatana, tomorrow they will increase the attacks on us. All 'Sanatanis' across the country and the people who love our country will have to be alert. We will have to stop such people,” he added.
In his remarks, the DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin had also likened Sanatana Dharma to malaria and dengue.
Also Read:Sanatana Dharma row: Plea in SC for FIR against Udhayanidhi Stalin, A Raja
Since then, the BJP has been targeting the INDIA alliance, a grouping of 28 opposition parties.
Adding fuel to the ongoing debate, the DMK’s Lok Sabha MP and former Union minister A Raja likened it to diseases like leprosy and HIV.
The remarks have led the BJP to accuse opposition leaders of suffering from “deep-rooted Hinduphobia”.
On Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that Sanatana Dharma is the "Rashtriya" (national) religion" of Bharat which cannot be erased by those who live for power.
“It is unfortunate that even today many people living in Bharat are humiliating Sanatana Dharma. They do not miss any opportunity to attack Indian values, ideals and principles," Adityanath said.
As the controversy continues to rage, a case was registered against Stalin in Maharashtra’s Thane, following a complaint over his remarks on Sanatana Dharma.
The complainant claimed that Stalin's remarks hurt the sentiments and religious feelings of those who follow Sanatana Dharma.
