Former deputy chief minister and current Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu assembly, Udhayanidhi Stalin, on Tuesday reiterated his controversial remarks calling for the 'eradication' of Sanatan Dharma. Speaking during his address in the assembly, Udhayanidhi asserted that the opposition would not allow any attempt to sideline 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu', the Tamil invocation song.
Udhayanidhi's Remarks on Sanatan Dharma
'Sanatana Dharma, which divides people, must certainly be abolished,' Udhayanidhi said, drawing a direct link between the religious tradition and social division. His statement comes nearly three years after a similar comment triggered a major political controversy across India. At that time, he had argued that Sanatan Dharma was against the idea of social justice and needed to be eradicated.
Demand for Priority of Tamil Thai Vazhthu
Udhayanidhi also raised a specific grievance regarding the recent swearing-in ceremony of the new government. He alleged that the state anthem was pushed to the third position in the order of events, instead of being given its traditional priority. 'Such an incident, which happened during your government's swearing-in ceremony, was a mistake and you should not permit it to happen again in this Assembly. We will not permit it,' he warned.
He further emphasized that not just in the Assembly, but at any government event or program held in Tamil Nadu, 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu' must always be accorded the primary position. 'I request this government to ensure that this is never compromised. We must be very vigilant in protecting our rights and traditions,' the Leader of Opposition stated.
Light-Hearted Exchange with Chief Minister
In a lighter vein, Udhayanidhi remarked, 'In governance, DMK is the senior batch and we are ready to teach you,' referring to Chief Minister Vijay and Speaker Prabhakar. The chief minister was seen smiling during the remarks, indicating a moment of levity in an otherwise tense political atmosphere.
Political Context
Udhayanidhi's Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in the recent Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. While TVK won 108 seats in its debut election, DMK managed to secure only 59 seats. This electoral setback has added significance to Udhayanidhi's strong stance on cultural and religious issues, as the DMK seeks to reassert its political relevance.
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