Udhayanidhi Stalin, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister asserted that he will not apologise for his controversial remarks advocating the eradication of Sanatana Dharma, mentioning that the remarks were aimed at addressing allegedly repressive practices towards women. The DMK leader said that his words were misinterpreted, leading to the controversy that erupted in September 2023.

Addressing an event on October 21, 2024, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that he echoed the views of Dravidian leaders like Periyar, former Chief Minister CN Annadurai, and M Karunanidhi.

He added that women were not allowed to study, and were unable to leave their homes, also if their husbands died, they would have to die as well. Mentioning that Thanthai Periyar spoke against all of this, he continued that he echoed what Periyar, Anna, and Kalaignar said.

Udhayanidhi, son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin in September 2023 sparked a massive row after he compared Sanatana Dharma with dengue and malaria and said that it should not just be opposed, but eradicated. He also argued that Sanatana Dharma is against social justice and equality. His remarks drew severe criticism and protests, especially from the BJP and Hindu organisations, leading to multiple legal cases being filed against him.

The Deputy Chief Minister claimed that his words were twisted, and cases were filed against him, not just in Tamil Nadu but in several courts across the country. Asserting that he will face all the cases, the DMK leader said that he is the grandson of Kalaignar, and will stand by what he said.

Udhayanidhi further alleged that there is an attempt to impose Hindi in the state, pointing out that recent changes to the Tamil Nadu anthem serve as evidence of these efforts. He claimed that certain words were deliberately removed from the state anthem during a recent Doordarshan Tamil program, igniting controversy.

Udhayanidhi Stalin who was the state sports minister, was made the Deputy Chief Minister on September 30. The DMK leader’s elevation was reportedly delayed due to the Sanatana controversy.

After multiple Indian airlines received bomb threats, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Monday announced that making hoax bomb threat calls to airlines will be made a cognisable offence. 

The hoax bomb threat disrupted flight operations across the country. Addressing a press conference, the Civil Aviation Minister termed the aforesaid situation sensitive, and said that those who make such hoax calls will be placed on the no-fly list of airlines.

The Minister stated that they have conducted multiple meetings on this issue and concluded that amendments to the rules and regulations are necessary. He added that the amendments will strengthen the cause they are currently fighting for. He asserted that once the perpetrators are apprehended, they will be placed on the no-fly list. Ram Mohan Naidu also said that the Aviation Ministry is in contact with other ministries to strengthen the existing laws.

He pointed out that there is the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation Act, and they are working on amending this act. He added that they are also consulting with other ministries to ensure that hoax calls become a cognisable offence. He also sought changes to Aircraft Security Rules.

Civil Aviation Minister Naidu further said that they are trying to assess the situation, terming it very sensitive. He noted that more than 75 airlines received threat messages, either written in lavatories or through social media, in the past few days. On Saturday, more than 30 flights received such messages. The airlines include Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, Vistara, SpiceJet, Star Air and Alliance Air.

Reportedly, the Police have found some common lines and words used in these fake threats, like bombs, blood will spread everywhere, explosive devices, this is not a joke and you will all die and bomb has been placed among others.

Earlier, a 17-year-old boy from Chhattisgarh was arrested, and the investigation revealed that he was responsible for some of the calls. Nonetheless, the origin of the majority of the threats is yet to be traced. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) held a meeting with CEOs and representatives of airlines in New Delhi on Saturday.

A day after the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, National Conference President Farooq Abdullah warned Pakistan of very severe results. He said that Pakistan would have to halt these activities if they wanted good relations with India. 

A group of terrorists attacked a tunnel construction site on Srinagar-Leh national highway in the Ganderbal district on Sunday, killing a doctor and six labourers. Condemning the terror attack, Farooq Abdullah asked Pakistan to stop terrorism in India, adding that Kashmir will not be Pakistan. He continued that the countries should live with dignity and succeed. The National Conference President further questioned how the countries would hold talks if Pakistan killed India’s innocent people.

Farooq Abdullah further expressed that the attack was very unfortunate. He questioned what will the terrorists get from the attack, and whether they think they will be able to create Pakistan in Kashmir. He asserted that they are trying to put an end to this so that they can move on from the misery. The National Conference party recently formed the government in the Union Territory.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also described the terror attack as a despicable act of cowardice. He said that those involved in this heinous act will not be spared and will face the harshest response from our security forces. He also extended his sincerest condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday termed the attack dastardly and cowardly. In a social media post, the Chief Minister said that the dastardly and cowardly on non-local labourers at Gagangir in Sonamarg region is very sad. He added that the labourers were working on a key infrastructure project in the area. 

He stated that two people have been killed and 2-3 more have been injured in this militant attack. He also strongly condemned this attack on unarmed innocent people and sent his condolences to their loved ones.

Meanwhile, a National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reached Kashmir to investigate the terror attack. Reports said, a Superintendent of Police rank officer will lead the NIA team.

Nearly, two terrorists carried out the dastardly attack. Two labourers died instantly, while three others and a doctor later succumbed to their injuries. Officials also said that five individuals are currently receiving treatment for their injuries.