Chennai: DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin on Tuesday called for the “abolition” of Sanatana Dharma, claiming it divides people, repeating the controversial remarks he made in September 2023.
In his maiden speech as the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, the DMK leader also said the opposition “will not permit” any attempt to sideline “Tamil Thai Vazhuthu,” the Tamil invocation song.
“Sanatana Dharma, which divides the people, must certainly be abolished,” he said in his speech in the House. His similar remarks in 2023 had created a major row, with the leader facing flak and court cases from pro-Hindu outfits over his remarks.
“Such an incident, which happened during your government’s swearing-in ceremony, was a mistake, and you should not permit it to happen again in this Assembly. We will not permit it,” he added.
He further said that not just in the Assembly, but at any government event or programme held in Tamil Nadu, “Tamil Thai Vazhthu” must always be accorded the primary position.“I request this government to ensure that this is never compromised. We must be very vigilant in protecting our rights and traditions,” the LoP said.“In governance,
DMK is the senior batch, and we are ready to teach you,” he said in a lighter vein, referring to Chief Minister Vijay and Speaker Prabhakar.
Vijay was also seen smiling during the remarks.
Udhayanidhi’s latest remarks on Sanatan Dharma came nearly three years after a similar statement by him triggered a major political storm across India. He had then said Sanatan Dharma was against the idea of social justice and needed to be eradicated.
Udhayanidhi’s Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. While TVK won 108 seats its debut election, DMK managed to secure only 59 seats.
