In a recent statement delivered on Thursday, Congress made a strong declaration affirming the Opposition bloc INDIA's unwavering commitment to honoring and respecting all religions and castes. This declaration came in response to a fresh controversy sparked by the DMK, a partner in the Opposition coalition, when its prominent leader and Member of Parliament, A Raja, drew comparisons between 'Sanatana Dharma' and HIV and leprosy.
When questioned about A Raja's remarks, Congress leader Pawan Khera eloquently stated, "Throughout our history, the Congress party has steadfastly upheld the principle of 'sarvadharma sambhav,' wherein each and every religion and faith is accorded a sacred and inclusive space. It is imperative to emphasize that no faith should ever be regarded as inferior to another. This perspective is in complete alignment with our Constitution, and the Indian National Congress firmly rejects any comments that deviate from this ethos."
Khera also pointed out that there was no necessity to address this issue with their ally, the DMK, because he firmly asserted, "We are well aware that each constituent within the INDIA alliance holds deep reverence for all religions."
He continued, "If anyone chooses to interpret these remarks in a different light, they are entitled to do so. However, it is important to underscore that every member of the INDIA alliance harbors profound respect for all faiths, communities, belief systems, and religions."
These remarks by the Congress leader were in reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comments made the previous day, where he expressed the need for an appropriate response to DMK leader and Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin's contentious remarks concerning 'Sanatana Dharma.'
Earlier today, Tamil Nadu minister A Raja had commented that 'Sanatana Dharma' should be analogized to diseases such as AIDS and leprosy, which are accompanied by social stigmas. Raja went further by characterizing his party colleague and Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin's comments on 'Sanatana Dharma' as "soft."
The Bharatiya Janata Party reacted strongly to A Raja's statement, with Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan denouncing A Raja's remarks against Sanatana Dharma as "outrageous and vitriolic." Pradhan criticized the opposition parties, asserting that Raja's comments reflect a "mental bankruptcy" and a "deep-seated Hinduphobia" within the INDIA bloc.
It's worth noting that A Raja's remarks came shortly after Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin ignited a significant controversy by suggesting that Sanatana Dharma opposes equality and social justice. Stalin drew parallels between Sanatana Dharma and contagious diseases such as the coronavirus, malaria, and dengue, advocating for their elimination rather than opposition.
