Worship God, But Avoid Hindu Symbols To Prevent Sanghi Label: DMK MP Raja

DMK leader and MP A. Raja has stirred controversy after a video surfaced showing him advising party workers to avoid wearing Hindu religious symbols like kumkum, sacred ash, and wristbands during political activities. His comments have drawn sharp criticism from Hindu groups and political rivals, with the Tamil Nadu BJP demanding action from Chief Minister MK Stalin.

In the undated video, Raja is heard telling DMK cadres that while personal worship is acceptable, displaying religious marks in party settings could blur the line between DMK members and "Sanghis" (a term often used for right-wing Hindu activists). "If needed, worship God. No issues... God is love. We see God in the smiles of the poor, as Anna rightly said," he stated. However, he insisted that party workers should remove religious identifiers while engaging in official DMK work to maintain ideological clarity, citing the AIADMK's decline as a cautionary example.

"But when you wear a DMK border dhoti and come to party work or office, please remove them so that you can be easily spotted as our men. If we have no ideologies, the political party won't succeed. AIADMK is the best example of this," he added.

BJP Condemns Raja's Remarks as Divisive

The Tamil Nadu BJP has slammed Raja's statements, calling them an attack on Hindu traditions. Party spokesperson ANG Prasad accused Raja of deliberately misrepresenting Hindu practices by equating sacred marks with political affiliations. "Raja's remarks belittle Tamil Hindus' spiritual beliefs and aim to create communal divisions," Prasad said, demanding Stalin take action against the former union minister.

Prasad further argued that Raja's comments contradict the DMK's own leadership, pointing out that Stalin and his family are practicing Hindus. "Stalin's wife, Durga Stalin, is a temple-going Hindu. Will the CM now denounce Raja's anti-Hindu stance?" he questioned.

DMK's History of Controversial Remarks on Hinduism

The BJP also highlighted past instances where DMK leaders allegedly mocked Hindu customs. Prasad referenced former CM Karunanidhi's sarcastic remark to a party MP wearing vermillion: "Are you bleeding?" He also recalled Karunanidhi's controversial comments questioning Lord Ram's educational qualifications during the Sethu Samudram debate.

Also, Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin's infamous remarks on Sanatana Dharma in 2023 had created a major controversy and put DMK's ally Congress in an embarrassing situation.