Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first reaction to the outrage over insult to Sanatana Dharma across the nation, said on Wednesday that the remarks made by Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin “require a proper response.”

His response comes after Udhayanidhi once again attempted to justify his “eradicate Sanatan Dharam” remarks by citing the omission of an invitation from the Centre to President Droupadi Murmu for the inauguration of the new Parliament in May.

While the DMK leader went on to label it as an example of discrimination by practitioners of Sanatana Dharma, an FIR was registered in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, against Udhayanidhi and Priyank Kharge, the son of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, for allegedly outraging religious feelings. Stalin was booked for his call to eradicate Sanatan Dharma, and Priyank was booked for supporting his remark, the police said.

Modi, during an informal conversation with the Ministers during the Cabinet meeting, is understood to have raised the issue and stated that the Ministers should provide a fitting response to the “Sanatan Dharm” debate.

Modi asked his Ministerial colleagues to educate themselves adequately on the subject and present facts to counter the Opposition leaders in the Sanatan row, without allowing the India versus Bharat controversy to overshadow the Sanatan row, said sources. The Prime Minister mentioned that only party spokespersons should speak on the India versus Bharat issue.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin’s son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, made a comment comparing Sanatan Dharm to dengue and malaria and suggesting it should be eradicated. This comment has sparked a nationwide outrage, putting Udhyanidhi in the eye of the storm.

BJP leaders have questioned the Opposition alliance INDIA leaders whether it represents the collective opinion of the Opposition. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has stated that the “attack” on Sanatan Dharm is a deliberate strategy by the Opposition parties, led by the “ghamandia” alliance (INDIA).

Seeking to counter Stalin’s accusation that President Murmu had not been invited to the recent inauguration of the new Parliament building, which he saw as a “discriminatory” practice of Sanatan, State BJP president K Annamalai wondered why the DMK did not vote for her. Murmu, belonging to a tribal community, was made the President and the first citizen of the country, which is Sanatan Dharma, the Tamil Nadu BJP chief added.