'Remove Hindu Religious Marks When Wearing DMK Dhoti': A Raja Sparks Row, Calls For Distinction From 'Sanghis'

DMK's A Raja clarified that he was not asking anyone to renounce their faith but emphasised the 'need' to distinguish DMK workers from those affiliated with right-wing groups.

This is not the first time Raja has made contentious remarks regarding religion.

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Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) general secretary and Lok Sabha MP from Nilgiris, A Raja, has stirred controversy with his remarks urging party cadres to remove religious symbols while wearing DMK attire. Addressing party members at a recent event, Raja clarified that he was not asking anyone to renounce their faith but emphasised the 'need' to distinguish DMK workers from those affiliated with right-wing groups.

A viral video from the event captured Raja advising student wing members to remove religious markings, such as sacred ash (vibhuti) or tilak, when wearing party dhoti, as per reports. His statement has ignited a heated debate with critics accusing him of undermining Hindu traditions.

Opposition parties were quick to react with AIADMK National Spokesperson Kovai Sathyan condemning Raja’s comments. "A Raja doesn't understand the societal fabric or culture. All he does is rant. His statement goes against his leader MK Stalin's statement - "I'm an atheist, but I don't stop the believers from following their faith, including my wife," Sathyan told ANI. He further claimed that even Raja’s own party does not take him seriously.

Ooty, Tamil Nadu: DMK leader A. Raja sparked controversy by advising DMK student wing members to remove their sacred ash (pottu) at meetings, stating it equates them with Sanghis, triggering a heated debate pic.twitter.com/W9gjR2bHLm

— IANS (@ians_india) April 2, 2025

A Raja Controversies 

This is not the first time Raja has made contentious remarks regarding religion. Previously, he equated Sanatana Dharma with diseases such as HIV and leprosy, sparking widespread outrage. He also defended Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s controversial comments about Sanatana Dharma, calling them "soft" in comparison to his own stance.

BJP leaders have frequently criticised Raja for his statements, alleging that he deliberately provokes religious sentiments. In a past speech, Raja had asserted that Tamil Nadu would never accept slogans like Jai Shri Ram or Bharat Mata Ki Jai, adding that his views on the Ramayana differed from those promoted by right-wing groups.

With tensions rising ahead of elections, Raja’s remarks have once again fueled debates over the intersection of politics and religion in Tamil Nadu.