A day after Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan referenced Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s controversial remarks on Sanatana Dharma, a war of words have emerged between the two counterparts on Friday. Based on Pawan Kalyan's remark 'Sanatana Dharma cannot be wiped out', Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin said "Let's wait and see".
Earlier, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) issued a clarification through its spokesperson, Syed Hafeezullah. In an interview with NDTV, Hafeezullah emphasised that the DMK does not target any religion, including Hinduism, but remains committed to fighting against caste-based atrocities, untouchability, and caste hierarchies.
Responding to Kalyan's criticism of Udhayanidhi Stalin's earlier statements, Hafeezullah said, "Our party does not talk about any religion, but we will continue to speak against caste injustices."
This comes after Pawan Kalyan, during his speech on Thursday, warned against equating Sanatana Dharma with a virus, referencing Stalin's comments. Kalyan firmly stated, "You cannot wipe out Sanatana Dharma. If anyone tries to do so, they will be wiped out from the feet of Lord Balaji."
"I am an unapologetic Sanatani Hindu. People like you might come and go, but Sanatana Dharma goes on forever. It would not stop. It is beyond," he said, as per a report on PTI.
Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks, made in September last year, sparked widespread controversy. He argued that Sanatana Dharma was fundamentally opposed to social justice and compared it to diseases like malaria and dengue, claiming that it must be eradicated.
In addition to his comments on Sanatana Dharma, Pawan Kalyan also took aim at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board, which had been formed during the previous government’s tenure. He expressed concerns about the administration of the temple and raised issues surrounding the alleged adulteration of the famous laddu prasadam.
"Laddu prasadam adulteration is just the tip of the iceberg," Kalyan remarked, questioning the financial dealings of the TTD board during the last five years. He called for a thorough investigation into the alleged mismanagement and financial irregularities.