Stalin vs. BJP: Explosive backlash over Udhayanidhi’s ‘Sanatan Dharma’ remarks

In an incendiary moment that’s taken Tamil Nadu’s political landscape by storm, Chief Minister MK Stalin fires back at critics of his son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, over the latter’s explosive comments on ‘Sanatan Dharma.’ Stalin fiercely defended his son, implying his comments were aimed at criticizing discriminatory principles within Hinduism that affect Scheduled Castes, tribals, and women.

Stalin’s Shot Across the Bow: A Fiery Defense of His Son

Breaking his silence, Stalin turned the tables, invoking Indian icons like Thanthai Periyar, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, and Babasaheb Ambedkar, who have publicly criticized retrogressive ideologies in Sanatan Dharma. He scorned those who perpetuate caste discrimination in India, even while the country is achieving milestones like the Chandrayaan mission to the Moon. Stalin minced no words in dismissing allegations from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that his son had called for genocide as a “false narrative.”

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin Defends Son Amid Religion Controversy. Photo courtesy of Arunjkumar007/Wikimedia Commons.

The Spark that Ignited the Firestorm: Udhayanidhi’s Original Remarks

Udhayanidhi Stalin had ruffled feathers during a gathering of the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers and Artists Association in Chennai. He had made bold claims about needing to eradicate rather than merely oppose elements within Hinduism, likening this necessity to dealing with deadly diseases like dengue and COVID-19.

The BJP’s Counter-Attack: Allegations and Accusations

The BJP didn’t hold back either, launching a virulent social media campaign accusing Udhayanidhi of calling for genocide. Adding fuel to the fire, Stalin hit back at the Uttar Pradesh government for not taking action against Ayodhya seer Paramhans Acharya, who shockingly announced a ₹10 crore reward for beheading Udhayanidhi. He also questioned whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi was knowingly or unknowingly propagating this falsehood.

Is the BJP Playing Politics?

Stalin threw a curveball, suggesting that the BJP’s explosive response might be a calculated move to create divisions within the opposition alliance. He portrayed the BJP’s seemingly impassioned stance as more of a political move than a genuine concern about issues within Hinduism.

Udhayanidhi’s Own Counter-Offensive

In a no-holds-barred approach, Udhayanidhi didn’t hesitate to aim directly at Prime Minister Modi, accusing BJP leaders of distorting his statements and calling their bluff on failed promises.

The fiery exchange between Stalin and the BJP marks yet another high-stakes, sensational episode in the volatile landscape of Tamil Nadu politics.