'I'm Kalaignar's grandson, won't apologise': Udhayanidhi Stalin on Sanatana row
- In Reports
- 01:25 PM, Oct 22, 2024
- Myind Staff
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has stated that he will not apologise for his controversial comments about the "eradication" of Sanatana Dharma. He believes his remarks were meant to highlight practices he sees as oppressive to women. Stalin also claimed that his words were misunderstood, which led to the controversy that began in September 2023.
During his address at an event on Monday, Udhayanidhi said he shared the opinions of prominent Dravidian figures, including M Karunanidhi, Periyar, and former Chief Minister CN Annadurai. “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,” he stated.
The son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Udhayanidhi, sparked a huge controversy in September 2023 when he described Sanatana Dharma as "dengue" and "malaria" and declared that it should be "eradicated" rather than merely criticised. He said at a "Sanatana Abolition Conference" that Sanatana Dharma opposes equality and social justice. After this statement, he became the target of several court lawsuits as a result of his harsh condemnation and protests that followed his comments, particularly from the BJP and Hindu organisations.
"But my words were twisted. Not just in Tamil Nadu, cases were filed against me in several courts across India. They asked me to apologise, but I stand by what I said. I'm the grandson of Kalaignar, and I will not apologise," Udhayanidhi asserted, mentioning that he will face all the cases.
He further claimed that recent modifications to the Tamil Nadu anthem are proof of attempts to impose Hindi on the state. During a recent Doordarshan Tamil broadcast, he drew attention to specific lines that were purposefully cut from the state anthem, 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," said Stalin.
The DMK leader Udayanidhi, 46, was appointed Deputy Chief Minister on September 30 after serving as the state sports minister. It has been alleged that the Sanatana dispute caused a delay in his ascent.
Comments