Udhayanidhi Stalin's Controversial Stand on Sanatana Dharma Sparks Political Clash

DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin has reiterated his call for the abolition of Sanatana Dharma, arguing it creates divisions among people. The remarks, made during his debut as Leader of the Opposition, have reignited controversies and drawn sharp criticism from the BJP, claiming it led to DMK’s electoral defeat.

DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin has once again found himself at the center of controversy after calling for the abolition of Sanatana Dharma, a Hindu belief system he claims marginalizes people. Stalin reiterated these remarks during his inaugural speech as the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.

His statements sparked immediate backlash from the BJP, which accused him of inciting religious tension. Udhayanidhi faced criticism in the past for similar comments in 2023, leading to legal challenges from pro-Hindu groups. The BJP Chief Spokesperson, Narayanan Thirupathy, warned that such divisive rhetoric contributed to the DMK's defeat in the 2026 Assembly elections.

Highlighting tensions within Tamil Nadu's political landscape, Udhayanidhi pushed for prioritizing 'Tamil Thai Vazhuthu' over other state protocols and urged vigilance in preserving cultural traditions. Despite controversy, he promised constructive opposition, emphasizing inclusivity and oversight of government operations to ensure adherence to the Dravidian model.