‘Sanatan Dharma’ Row: Udhayanidhi Cites ‘Caste Differences’ In Defence, Mamata Urges Not To ‘Hurt Any Section’

The row began after DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin stated that Sanatan Dharma is anti-equality and social justice and should be eradicated.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Amidst different voices within the INDIA alliance on DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin's remarks against Sanatan Dharma, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday stated that every religion has seperate sentiment, and "we should not be involved in any matter which might hurt a section of people," news agency PTI reported. 

When questioned whether she condemns DMK leader's remark, CM Banerjee stated: "Instead of saying condemn, my humble request to everybody that we should not comment anything which may hurt the major or small section of people."

VIDEO | "Instead of saying condemn, my humble request to everybody that we should not comment anything which may hurt the major or small section of people," says West Bengal CM @MamataOfficial when asked whether she condemns DMK leader @Udhaystalin's 'Sanatan Dharma' remark. pic.twitter.com/nHDdyercr5

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 4, 2023

Earlier today, Congress has also stated that as a party it respects all religions and stressed that others also have the freedom to express their opinions. According to AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, while the Congress' position is clear, any other political party is allowed to voice its own opinion. "Actually, our view is very clear - 'Sarvadharma Sambhav' (equal respect to all religions) is the Congress ideology. But, you have to understand that every political party has its own freedom to tell their views," he was quoted by PTI in its report.

Union Minister Rajnath Singh slammed the Opposition coalition INDIA's silence over Udhayanidhi's remarks on Sanatan Dharma, stressing that the public would not forgive them unless they apologised. He questioned the silence of Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Ashok Gehlot on the topic. 

“DMK has attacked Sanatan Dharma and Congress is quiet on it. I want to ask (Rajasthan Chief Minister) Ashok Gehlot why he does not speak, why Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, (Congress president Mallikarjun) Kharge do not say what is their thinking on Sanatan Dharma,” Singh asked.

The row began after DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin stated that Sanatan Dharma is anti-equality and social justice and should be eradicated. Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, compared Sanatan Dharma to "coronavirus, malaria, and dengue fever," saying it should not be attacked but exterminated.

In support of his remark, DMK leader Stalin stated: “Day before yesterday I spoke at a function about it (Sanatana Dharma). Whatever I said, I'll repeat the same thing again and again...I included all the religions and not just Hindus...I spoke condemning the caste differences that's all."

Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu | Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin says, “Day before yesterday I spoke at a function about it (Sanatana Dharma). Whatever I said, I'll repeat the same thing again and again...I included all the religions and not just Hindus...I spoke condemning the… pic.twitter.com/kpY13KBIZd

— ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2023

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi slammed the BJP, accusing it of "fake concern" for Sanatan Dharm in its politics and calling it hypocritical. Taking to X, she stated: Sanatan Dharm stands for eternal truth - the way to live life- the conscience & being. Sanatanis have long withstood attacks by invaders to end their identity yet they have not just survived but thrived. The country's bedrock, which is linked to Sanatan Dharm, has been of inclusiveness of all faiths and identities. Anyone making derogatory comments against it is ignorant of what it stands for."