I Won't Apologise: Udhayanidhi Stalin On Sanatana Dharma Controversy

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Tuesday indicated that he will not apologise to his earlier remarks on Sanatana Dharma stating that his comments were against the allegedly repressive practices towards women.

At an event today, he said that he had spoken about the the principles given by Periyar, Perarignar Anna, and Karunanidhi. The Junior Stalin claimed that women were denied education and confined to homes if their husbands passed away and Periyar was against such ill practises.

"Women were not allowed to study. They were unable to leave their homes, and if their husbands died, they would have to die as well. Thanthai Periyar spoke against all of this. I echoed what Periyar, Anna, and Kalaignar said," Udhayanidhi added.

"I also mentioned the principles given by Periyar, Perarignar Anna, and our leader Kalaignar. But my statements were distorted falsely and I have now been sued in several courts in India, not only in Tamil Nadu. They asked me to apologize in court, but I refused. I have stated, 'What I said is said. I am Kalaignar's grandson, and I will not apologize for anything. Now, I am facing the charges. Our Dravidian model government is a shining example for other states," the Tamil Nadu Deputy CM said.

Last year, Udhayanidhi's comments on Sanatana Dharma had triggered a massive outrage as he compared the religion to "dengue" and "malaria" while calling it for eradication. He had claimed that Sanatana Dharma was against social justice and equality.

At the event, Udhayanidhi further claimed that there is an ongoing attempt to impose Hindi in the state, citing recent alterations to the Tamil Nadu anthem as proof of this effort. He highlighted that specific words were deliberately omitted from the anthem during a recent Doordarshan Tamil program, sparking controversy.

"I request the newlyweds to come up with a beautiful Tamil name for their child. Because many are attempting to impose Hindi in Tamil Nadu. They couldn't do it directly. That's why they are omitting a few words from the Tamil Thaai Vaazthu (State song). They are trying to impose Hindi via the new education policy. But they are all failing," the Deputy Chief Minister said.