Sanatana Dharma Row: PM Modi Asks Ministers To Give ‘Befitting Reply’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the remarks of Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin about Sanatana Dharma "need a proper response." He made this statement a day after Udhayanidhi Stalin highlighted what he perceived as discrimination by practitioners of Sanatana Dharma, citing the Central government's omission of an invitation to President Droupadi Murmu for the new parliament's inauguration.

As reported by LiveHindustan, during an informal conversation with the ministers at the Cabinet meeting, PM Modi addressed the matter and stressed that ministers should provide a well-reasoned response to the Sanatan Dharma debate. He urged them to educate themselves on the subject and present factual information to counter opposition leaders in the Sanatan row, all while ensuring that the India versus Bharat controversy does not overshadow the Sanatan row.

He also urged ministers to refrain from commenting on the India-Bharat dispute, emphasizing that only authorized individuals should address this matter, according to the report.

Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of Chief Minister MK Stalin, has stood firm in his refusal to apologize for his comment characterizing Sanatana Dharma as a disease that should be eradicated. He has reiterated his readiness to face any legal consequences for his statements, and there are reports of efforts to seek the Tamil Nadu Governor's approval to take action against him.

During the weekend, Udhyanidhi Stalin stirred a significant controversy with his statement that "Sanatana (Dharma) is like malaria and dengue and so it must be eradicated and not opposed." This statement sparked a strong backlash on social media and led the BJP to liken it to "a call for genocide," a claim denied by the DMK leader.

This controversy has also put some allies of the new Opposition Bloc INDIA in a delicate position as they approach a series of state elections by the year's end and the general election next year. The Congress has taken a nuanced stance, emphasizing the importance of respecting all religions and individuals' right to express their opinions. Younger leaders within the Congress, such as Priyank Kharge and Karti Chidambaram, have expressed support for Stalin Junior, as has CPM's D Raja.

Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party and Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress have made their disapproval of the remarks clear.