In the midst of the Janmashtami festivities held at Dwarka’s ISKCON temple, Smriti Irani elevated the discourse surrounding the ongoing controversy related to Sanatan Dharma. This development unfolded following recent comments made by Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, which ignited a significant political uproar. The festive ambiance was imbued with a sense of urgency as the controversy took center stage in front of the gathered audience.
The Union Minister proposed that the resonating sounds of devotional chants should reach those who dare to challenge the ancient traditions of Sanatan Dharma. Her message conveys a steadfast belief that as long as devout followers exist, no one can undermine this religious belief system.
“The mellifluous chants of the devoted should reverberate in the ears of those who dare to challenge the sanctity of Sanatan Dharma. They must realize that as long as the faithful endure, neither the religion nor its beliefs can be assailed,” she asserted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also weighed in on the subject during a recent cabinet meeting. In this meeting, he implored his fellow ministers to address the ongoing debate with fact-based arguments. This illustrates the government’s intent to confront the issue head-on, leveraging the disagreement as a political tool against the opposition.
However, the controversy surrounding Sanatan Dharma has gathered momentum due to a statement by Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. He likened this tradition to diseases such as dengue and malaria, advocating for its eradication. Despite facing multiple complaints and criticisms for his remarks, Udhayanidhi has neither retracted nor apologized for his statement.
Interestingly, Udhayanidhi has clarified that his criticism was directed at a caste-based societal structure upheld by Sanatan Dharma, emphasizing that his comments were not intended as an expression of animosity toward Hinduism. He cited the instance of President Droupadi Murmu, alleging that she was excluded from a significant event due to her caste.
In response, Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai argued that Droupadi Murmu’s rise to the presidency was made possible by Sanatan Dharma. Annamalai also questioned why the DMK did not support her during the presidential election, adding another layer to the ongoing debate.
This contentious issue surrounding Sanatan Dharma continues to evolve, with the government and opposition parties engaging in a heated exchange of ideas and arguments. It remains a topic of significant interest and discussion within the political and religious landscape.
