The comments made by Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin about Sanatana Dharma, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “need a proper response”. A day prior, Udhayanidhi Stalin had cited the Central governments failure to extend President Droupadi Murmu an invitation to the inauguration of the new parliament as evidence of what he perceived to be discrimination by followers of the Sanatana Dharma.As per the reports by Live Hindustan, PM Modi addressed the issue during a casual discussion with the ministers at the Cabinet meeting and emphasized that they should offer a well-reasoned response to the Sanatan Dharma debate. He urged the leaders to educate themselves about the issue and provide factual information to counter opposition leaders in the Sanatan Dharma row, all the while making sure that the India versus Bharat controversy did not overshadow the Sanatan row.Reportedly, he urged ministers to avoid commenting on the India-Bharat dispute, emphasizing that only authorized parties should do so.Udhayanidhi Stalin continues to defend himselfWhile Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of chief minister MK Stalin, continues to defend his position and refuses to retract his comment that called for the eradication of Snaatana Dharma. He has maintained his position and refused to retract his comment that Snaatana Dharma should be treated like a disease. There are rumors that efforts are being made to seek the Tamil Nadu governors approval to take action against him, but he has reportedly restrained his readiness to face any legal repercussions for his statements.This stance of Udhayanidhi has put some allies of the opposition block INDIA in a nuanced position as they approach a series of state elections by the end of 2023 and general elections next year. The Congress has taken a delicate stance, highlighting the importance of upholding peoples rights to freedom of speech and respect for all religions. Younger party leaders like Priyank Kharge and Karti Chidambaram, as well as D Raja of the CPM, have backed Stalin Junior.Both Mamata Banerjees Trinamool Congress and Arvind Kejriwals Aam Aadmi Party have made it clear that they disapprove of the remarks.
