Sanatana Dharma is a social disgrace like HIV and leprosy: DMK’s A Raja

He commented, ‘Sanatana Dharma is a social disgrace like HIV and leprosy’ and further added, ‘there was no social stigma attached to malaria and dengue.’

On Wednesday, speaking on the context, DMK’s A Raja says, “I am prepared to give answers for all cabinet ministers if the Prime Minister convenes the meeting and let them permit me. I will explain which one is ‘Sanatana Dharma’ thereafter you decide…”

Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s recent statement has stirred controversy around Sanatan Dharma. He compared it to diseases like dengue and malaria, advocating for its eradication. Despite facing backlash, he hasn’t retracted or apologized for his remarks. 

Udhayanidhi later clarified that his criticism was aimed at the caste-based societal structure upheld by Sanatan Dharma, not Hinduism as a whole. He cited President Droupadi Murmu’s exclusion from a key event due to her caste as an example to support his stance.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday said that it was unfair for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to “make comments without knowing what Udhayanidhi spoke” on the ‘Sanatana Dharma’

“While speaking at a Sanatan Eradication Conference in Chennai organised by the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers and Artists Association, Udhayanidhi Stalin expressed certain comments about inhuman principles preached by Sanatan. He expressed his views on Sanatan principles that discriminate against Scheduled Castes, Tribals, and Women, with no intention to offend any religion or religious beliefs,” Stalin wrote said.

“Many leaders in our Indian subcontinent, such as Thanthal Periyar, Mahatma Phule, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Narayana Guru, Vallalaar and Valkuntar, have spoken out against regressive Varnasrama – Manuvad – Sanatan ideologies, which justify discrimination based on one’s birth and the oppression of women. As an extension of that lineage, ideological arguments continue to resonate all over India against the justification of denying equal rights to the oppressed and women and exploiting them. Social scientists are well aware of this,” Stalin added.On 

Updated: 07 Sep 2023, 02:36 PM IST