The Tamil Nadu Assembly debate features Udhayanidhi Stalins remarks on Sanatan Dharma, provoking criticism from opposition parties, legal considerations, and calls for civil discourse in governance.
Chennai
-Prakash KL
Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Udhayanidhi Stalin, again targeted Sanatan Dharma during the first sitting of the newly elected House in Tamil Nadu Assembly.
He made the comments in front of newly-elected Chief Minister Vijay. It has to be seen how the TVK chief will respond to the comments.
Tamil Nadu Assembly Opposition Leader Udhayanidhi Stalin reiterated his call for Sanatan Dharma’s eradication during the new House’s first sitting, sparking renewed political controversy and BJP accusations of hate speech, following a Madras High Court observation that his earlier remarks qualified as hate speech.
Junior Stalin said, “Sanathanam, which separated people, should be eradicated.” The comment sparked a fresh political row, with the BJP accusing Udhayanidhi Stalin of spreading hate and insulting the religious beliefs of many people.
In 2023, Udhayanidhi had compared the Sanatan Dharma to “dengue” and “malaria” and had created a major controversy.
Responding to the comments, BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan issued a lengthy statement soon after the speech, sharply attacking the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. Kesavan said Udhayanidhi Stalin was repeating earlier comments against Sanatan Dharma, despite facing political backlash in Tamil Nadu and criticism from courts over similar remarks.
Political reaction to Udhayanidhi Stalin Sanatan Dharma remarks
CR Kesavan called the latest statement a continuation of divisive politics. “Udayanidhi Stalin is the Rahul Gandhi of Tamilnadu, peddling divisive hate politics. Rahul Gandhi mocked the sacred Sengol and he insulted & boycotted the Pran Prathishta ceremony of Ram Mandir. Like Rahul Gandhi who has been rejected for the past 3 Lok Sabha elections, Udayanidhi Stalin despite being punished and ousted by the Tamil people continues with his toxic rant.
VIDEO | Chennai, Tamil Nadu: “Sanathanam that divides people should be abolished,” says LoP Udhayanidhi Stalin.
Source: Third Party
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/uHH7CEQmeP
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 12, 2026
What better can you expect from the divisive DMK which opposed the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam and whose CM never wished the people of Tamilnadu on Deepavali. A DMK MP and former Union minister had outrageously remarked that Hinduism is a menace to only to India but to the entire world. These repeat offenders need to keep in mind that the state emblem of Tamilnadu has a temple Gopuram and the people of Tamilnadu will not forget nor forgive such flagrant abuse and insult of their faith and sentiments,” he said.
The strong response from CR Kesavan linked Udhayanidhi Stalin’s fresh attack on Sanatan Dharma to earlier controversies involving the DMK. Kesavan referred to objections raised against lighting the Karthigai Deepam, the absence of Deepavali greetings from the Chief Minister, and earlier remarks by a DMK MP about Hinduism, arguing these issues hurt religious sentiments.
Udhayanidhi Stalin said, “Yesterday, the CM came and got wishes from our leader and many others. That political civility should continue in this House also. Even if we are on different rows as the ruling government and opposition party, we all should work together for Tamil Nadu’s development. This is the wish of people also. CM and the opposition leader, we studied at the same college. But in politics, we are seniors. We would like to share our experience and knowledge. You also be ready to accept our suggestions.”
The Leader of Opposition also highlighted the order of songs played during the swearing-in event, linking it to earlier disputes with former Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi. Udhayanidhi Stalin said Vande Mataram was played before the Tamil state song, which revived concerns among opposition parties about protocol and cultural respect.
Recalling tensions between the DMK government and former Governor RN Ravi, Udhayanidhi Stalin added, “Tamil state song was played at the third spot. Opposition parties have expressed concern. The ruling government gave clarification. In the West Bengal CM ceremony event, there was no Vande Mataram. But here it was played. You all know who the Governor is there. What he demanded when he was here as Governor. The government should not allow this to happen again. The Tamil state song should never be pushed to the second spot. We should protect our customs. After years, women legislators have come here. We are happy to see it. Congratulations. We will be a healthy opposition in Tamil Nadu.”
With inputs from ANI
