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.