The Trinamool Congress (TMC) expressed strong disapproval on Monday of the comments made by Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of DMK minister MK Stalin, regarding 'Sanatan dharma.' The TMC firmly asserted that the opposition-led INDIA bloc was in no way associated with such statements.
"We wholeheartedly condemn these remarks. Our culture cherishes harmony, and we are committed to respecting all religions. The INDIA bloc unequivocally disavows any connection to such comments. Regardless of the individual making these statements, we must denounce such expressions," declared TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh.
The TMC's response was prompted by Udhayanidhi Stalin's assertion that "Sanatan dharma" is at odds with principles of equality and social justice and should be eliminated. Udhayanidhi went further, drawing parallels between "Sanatan dharma" and contagious diseases such as coronavirus, malaria, and dengue fever, insisting that they should not merely be opposed but obliterated. This statement by the DMK leader triggered a significant political uproar, with leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanding an apology.
The BJP cried foul, directing their criticism not only at the ruling party in Tamil Nadu but also at the opposition alliance INDIA and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused the INDIA bloc of insulting Sanatana dharma for the sake of electoral gains and appeasement politics.
The BJP labeled Udhayanidhi's remarks as "hate speech" and contended that the "primary agenda" of the opposition alliance is the "complete eradication" of Hindu dharma. The party has also called upon the Supreme Court to take appropriate action against Udhayanidhi.
Meanwhile, Udhayanidhi remains unfazed and resolute, asserting that he speaks for the marginalized and is prepared to confront challenges, whether in a court of law or in a court of public opinion.
The BJP demanded an apology from Udhayanidhi, who is the son of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and submitted a formal protest letter to the state's resident commissioner in Delhi. A delegation from the BJP's Delhi unit, led by its president Virendra Sachdeva and including MPs Harsh Vardhan and Parvesh Verma, visited the Tamil Nadu House to deliver the protest letter addressed to MK Stalin.
Addressing reporters, Sachdeva insisted that leaders of the INDIA bloc clarify their stance on Udhayanidhi Stalin's statements. He went on to claim that Udhayanidhi Stalin, through his remarks, attempted what foreign invaders failed to achieve over centuries, characterizing the Tamil Nadu minister's speech as a "hate speech against 100 crore Sanatan Dharma Indians."
