In a recent development, Tamil Nadu’s DMK Youth Wing Secretary and Minister, Udhayanidhi Stalin, stirred controversy with his remarks about Sanatan Dharma. He asserted that the exclusion of President Droupadi Murmu from the inauguration of the New Parliament building was a prime example of discrimination within the Sanatan Dharma practice, advocating for its eradication.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swiftly responded to these remarks, questioning Udhayanidhi Stalin’s voting history. Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai alleged that the DMK, which has been vocal about eradicating Sanatan Dharma, did not support President Murmu but endorsed Yashwant Sinha as the Presidential candidate for India. Annamalai claimed that this move by DMK was to maintain its political influence within minority and scheduled communities.
Annamalai also emphasized that the BJP’s choice of Presidential candidates reflects their belief in the principles of Sanatana Dharma. He further inquired whether the DMK supported Ram Nath Kovind, who belongs to the Scheduled Castes community.
Udhayanidhi Stalin, when asked to provide an example of discriminatory practices within Sanatan Dharma, cited President Murmu’s exclusion from the Parliament building’s inauguration as a contemporary illustration.
The situation escalated as an FIR was filed against Amit Malviya, the head of BJP’s IT department, for allegedly distorting Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks and causing disharmony among different sections of the population.
This controversy raises questions about the intersection of politics, religion, and identity in the complex landscape of Indian society.