In a heated press conference addressing the ongoing Sanatan Dharma controversy, senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad launched a scathing attack on Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi for their conspicuous silence on the matter. The controversy stemmed from Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks about “eradicating Sanatan Dharma,” which has sparked a nationwide debate.
Prasad accused Sonia and Rahul Gandhi of failing to address a critical issue that concerns religious sentiments and the core values of the Hindu faith. He also delved into the nuances of the Indian Constitution, highlighting the presence of images of Hindu deities like Hanuman, Krishna, Arjuna, Nataraja, and Hanuman within its pages. Prasad contended that while these deities are depicted, historical figures like Akbar, Aurangzeb, and Birbal are notably absent from the Constitution.
The BJP leader went on to question whether Sonia and Rahul Gandhi were party to a decision to undermine ‘Sanatana Dharma,’ suggesting that such a stance was unwarranted and inconsiderate.
Ravi Shankar Prasad Challenges RJD Leader Jagdanand Singh
Turning his attention to RJD leader Jagdanand Singh, Prasad challenged Singh’s knowledge of Indian history. He questioned Singh’s understanding of India’s rich heritage and urged him to read the works of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia to gain a deeper insight into figures like Lord Ram, Krishna, and Mahadev.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Addresses CM Siddaramaiah’s Comments
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi weighed in on the controversy, addressing comments made by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Joshi criticized Siddaramaiah and the Congress party for allegedly labeling Prime Minister Modi as “Neech” (lowly) due to his humble background. He argued that such attacks on the Prime Minister were driven by jealousy and the misconception that the office of the Prime Minister should belong exclusively to the Gandhi family.
Joshi also touched upon the current drought situation in the country, explaining that the rising price of rice has led to a ban on its export. He acknowledged the increasing demand for rice from various BJP-governed states but emphasized the shortage of rice in the market.
Giriraj Singh Defends ‘Sanatana Dharma’
Union Minister Giriraj Singh passionately defended ‘Sanatana Dharma’ during the press conference, stating that despite past attempts by the Mughals and the British to undermine it, the faith has endured. He emphasized that ‘Sanatana Dharma’ cannot be eradicated by any force in the world and criticized the silence of Rahul Gandhi, Lalu Yadav, and Nitish Kumar on the issue.
Udhayanidhi Stalin Clarifies His Stance
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin clarified his position on the controversy, stating that he does not oppose the Hindu religion but objects to certain practices within ‘Sanatana Dharma,’ such as caste discrimination. He highlighted incidents of discrimination against Scheduled Castes, Tribals, and Women as examples. Udhayanidhi argued that his remarks were aimed at addressing these issues rather than offending any religious beliefs.
Death Threats and Poster Wars
The controversy surrounding Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks has escalated, with death threats issued against him and a bounty offered for his beheading. Poster campaigns have also emerged, with both the BJP and DMK launching campaigns against each other in Coimbatore.
The situation remains tense, with political leaders and parties continuing to express their views and concerns on the matter. The controversy has ignited discussions on the delicate balance between freedom of speech and respecting religious sentiments in India’s diverse society.
