Udhayanidhi Stalin sparks row with Sanatan Dharma comment again

Former Deputy Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Udhayanidhi Stalin on Tuesday reiterated his controversial remarks calling for the “eradication” of Sanatan Dharma, triggering fresh political debate in the state.

Speaking during his address in the Assembly, Udhayanidhi Stalin said that Sanatan Dharma “which divides people must certainly be abolished.” His remarks once again drew strong reactions from political circles and renewed discussions over his earlier statements on the same issue.

He also raised concerns over the recent swearing-in ceremony of the new government, alleging that the state invocation song “Tamil Thai Vazhthu” was not given its traditional priority in the order of proceedings. He said his party would not allow such practices to continue in the Assembly or in any government function.

Udhayanidhi Stalin further stressed that the Tamil invocation song should always be given primacy at official events in Tamil Nadu. He urged the government to ensure that cultural protocols and traditions are not compromised.

In a lighter moment during his speech, he referred to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and Speaker Prabhakar, stating that the DMK has long experience in governance. His comments were met with smiles in the House, including from Chief Minister Vijay.

This is not the first time Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks on Sanatan Dharma have sparked controversy. Nearly three years ago, a similar statement by him had triggered nationwide political backlash.

The latest comments come in the backdrop of a major political shift in Tamil Nadu, where the DMK suffered a significant electoral setback against the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in the Assembly elections.