In a fervent escalation of the “Sanatan Dharma” controversy, the BJP on Wednesday criticised the Opposition INDIA alliance meeting, branding it as a gathering of the “anti-Hindu coordination committee”. This development comes in the wake of sharp criticism from DMK leaders regarding the Sanatan Dharma issue.
The BJP contends that it is now glaringly evident that, whether in Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, or Bihar, Opposition leaders are operating with a concerted effort to target the Hindu religion, consistently making disparaging remarks against it.
Union Minister Anurag Thakur lambasted the Opposition parties in advance of the INDIA bloc meeting, asserting, “These faces (of INDIA alliance) are all known for corruption. Some of them are on bail and some have returned after serving time in jail... People know them all, changing the name (to INDIA) won’t change their character,” Thakur said.
The BJP’s latest offensive coincides with the day when the coordination committee of the Opposition INDIA bloc is set to convene to deliberate on seat-sharing arrangements and devise a broad campaign strategy in preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra described the Opposition meeting aimed at strategising for the Lok Sabha polls as a gathering of “anti-Hindu” forces. At a press conference, he also launched a scathing attack on Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, alleging that she authored a book titled “Murder of Hinduism” drawing parallels with Agatha Christie’s renowned suspense novel “Murder of...”
Patra, citing Sonia Gandhi’s Christian name “Antonio Maino,” further alleged that she has been instrumental in plotting against Hinduism. He pointed out that non-cooperation among INDIA group members is evident, downplaying the stated agenda of discussing seat-sharing arrangements. He insisted, “They will discuss how to finish off the Hindu religion.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray’s recent statement suggesting a potential Godhra-like incident if people travel to Ayodhya for the Ram temple’s inauguration was also brought into the fray. The BJP maintained that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had previously referenced the Islamic terror group Muslim Brotherhood to criticise Hindutva, and an RJD leader made derisive comments about Ramcharitmanas and individuals wearing “tilak” on their foreheads.
The BJP alleged that DMK leaders, with the Congress’ “endorsement,” were speaking against Sanatan Dharma to divert attention from the alleged “misdeeds” of the MK Stalin-led Government in Tamil Nadu, aiming to disrupt peace and harmony in the country.
Ponguleti Sudhakar Reddy, the BJP’s co-incharge for Tamil Nadu, contended that the DMK and the Congress were attempting to construct a negative narrative against the BJP due to the party’s “growing” popularity in Tamil Nadu and recognition of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi Government’s accomplishments.
