After Udhayanidhi Stalin comments on Sanatana Dharma another Tamil Nadu leader DMK’s A Raja comments on Sanatana Dharma sparked controversy.
(L)DMK A Raja and (R)Udayanidhi Stalin (Source: PTI and Wikipedia)
CHENNAI: DMK Member of Parliament (MP) A. Raja has stirred controversy with his comments regarding ‘Sanatana Dharma.’ These remarks come amidst the ongoing debate surrounding similar statements made by Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.
During a meeting with DMK booth agents in Udhagamandalam on September 7, 2023, MP A. Raja compared ‘Sanatana Dharma’ to diseases known to carry social stigma, such as HIV and leprosy. Raja acknowledged that Udhayanidhi Stalin’s perspective on ‘Sanatana Dharma’ was comparatively mild but argued that ‘Sanatana Dharma’ should be viewed through a similar lens as diseases burdened with social issues.
While speaking party workers Raja said, “There is neither a sense of disgust associated with malaria and dengue nor were they considered a social disgrace. What is looked upon with disgust was leprosy in the past and HIV in recent times. As far as we are concerned, Sanatana Dharma should be looked upon as a disease which is a social disgrace like HIV and leprosy,’’.
The controversy initially began when Udhayanidhi Stalin, a Tamil Nadu Minister, made statements suggesting that ‘Sanatana Dharma’ opposed principles of equality and social justice, advocating for its eradication. He drew parallels between ‘Sanatana Dharma’ and diseases like coronavirus, malaria, and dengue, calling for the elimination of these ideologies.
In response to the allegations and legal actions against him, Udhayanidhi issued a clarification, emphasizing the importance of upholding the ideologies of leaders like Periyar, Anna, Kalaignar, and Perasiriyar. He refuted claims of advocating for the “genocide” of individuals holding ‘Sanatana’ beliefs.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin came to his son’s defense, questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s understanding of these distortions. Stalin challenged whether the Prime Minister’s comments were based on ignorance or intent.
Prime Minister Modi, in response, instructed Cabinet ministers to provide a fitting response to the ‘Sanatana Dharma’ debate and emphasized the use of facts to counter opposition arguments.
