Udhayanidhi Stalin Again Delivers Anti-Sanatanam Remark, Says ‘Sanatanam Divided People’

In his first major address as Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Udhayanidhi Stalin revived the DMK's controversial anti-Sanatan stance while simultaneously extending a message of political cooperation to Chief Minister Vijay and the new government.

Addressing the House on Tuesday, Udhayanidhi reiterated his earlier criticism of Sanatanam, saying, "Sanathanam, which separated people, should be eradicated." The remark immediately brought back the ideological debate that had previously sparked nationwide political controversy around the DMK leader.

At the same time, Udhayanidhi struck a conciliatory tone toward the ruling government, urging both treasury and opposition benches to work together for Tamil Nadu's development despite political differences.

"Even if we sit in different rows as ruling government and opposition, we all should work together for the development of Tamil Nadu," he said, while referring to the recent exchange of greetings between Chief Minister Vijay and senior DMK leaders.

DMK seeks role in governance discussions

Highlighting the DMK's long administrative experience in the state, Udhayanidhi urged the Chief Minister to remain open to suggestions from the opposition.

"The CM and I studied at the same college. We would like to share our experience and knowledge. The CM should also accept our suggestions," he remarked, blending political messaging with a lighter personal reference.

His comments came a day after Vijay met former Chief Minister M. K. Stalin at his Chennai residence in what was seen as an important gesture following the formation of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government.

Tamil anthem issue raised in Assembly

Udhayanidhi also raised concerns over the order in which songs were played during the recent swearing-in ceremony, saying opposition parties were unhappy that the Tamil Nadu state anthem was played after Vande Mataram.

Drawing comparisons with West Bengal, he argued that Tamil identity and customs should be protected and cautioned the government against allowing the state anthem to be "pushed to the second spot."

The remarks also revived memories of past tensions between the DMK government and former Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi over issues linked to Tamil identity and protocol.

DMK settles into opposition role

The speech marked the formal beginning of the DMK's role as the principal opposition in the Assembly after the party elected Udhayanidhi Stalin as legislature party leader.

Despite not winning a majority on its own in the 234-member House, Vijay's TVK government secured power with support from Congress, VCK, CPI, CPI(M), and IUML, crossing the majority mark with 120 MLAs.

As the Assembly session unfolded, Udhayanidhi's address signalled the DMK's twin strategy going forward - maintaining sharp ideological attacks on issues like Sanatanam while presenting itself as a cooperative but assertive opposition inside the House.