Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin underlined his commitment to religious harmony by declaring himself a "proud Christian" and emphasising inclusivity for all faiths. Speaking at a Christmas event in Coimbatore on Wednesday, the deputy CM emphasised his opposition to people who use religion for political gain and division.
Udhayanidhi Stalin recounted that last year, when he participated in a Christmas celebration, he proudly announced that he was a Christian. However, he claimed that it irritated numerous Sanghis. This year too, he reiterated that he was a proud Christian.
Elaborating on his schooling in Madras Christian College School and his undergraduate studies in Loyola College, the Deputy CM further expressed that all religions fundamentally teach love. He said, as per India Today, "If you think I'm a Christian, I'm a Christian; if you think I'm a Muslim, I'm a Muslim; if you think I'm a Hindu, I'm a Hindu. I belong to everyone."
Udhayanidhi criticised individuals and groups using religion as a tool for spreading hatred and divisiveness. Referring to a recent controversy involving a judge from Allahabad, he questioned how one could expect justice in the court with such a judge, reported Simplicity.
He also highlighted the DMK’s and Congress’s efforts to address the issue mentioning a resolution in the Lok Sabha seeking the judge’s removal. Udhayanidhi accused the BJP-AIADMK alliance of persisting covertly despite claims of separation.
The Deputy CM’s remarks come in the backdrop of controversies surrounding his previous statements, including his call for the eradication of Sanatana Dharma last year, which sparked widespread backlash and legal cases across the country. Despite the criticism, Udhayanidhi remains steadfast in his call for unity.
Last year, Udhayanidhi claimed that Sanatan Dharma should be wiped out since it was like dengue and malaria.
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