Chennai:
DMK chief Udhayanidhi Stalin provided a smile and a four-word response Friday to Jana Sena Celebration boss Pawan Kalyan dredging up his “‘sanatan dharm‘ is like malaria, dengue” comment from final yr. “Let’s wait and see… let’s wait and see,” the Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister mentioned.
On Thursday Mr Kalyan, who’s the Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister, threw down a grand problem to “a Tamil Nadu chief who says ‘sanatan dharm‘ is sort of a virus and have to be destroyed”.
He was talking on the Tirupati temple amid the political row over claims animal fats was utilized in ghee used to make the laddoos, or choices served to the deity and devotees.
“Do not say ‘sanatan dharm‘ is sort of a virus and (you) will destroy (it). Whoever mentioned this, let me inform you sir… you can’t wipe out ‘sanatan dharm‘. If anybody tries… then you can be worn out,” a clad-in-saffron Mr Kalyan, who declared himself an “unapologetic ‘sanatani’ Hindu, mentioned.
READ | In Tirupati Row, Pawan Kalyan vs DMK Over ‘Sanatan Dharm‘ Remark
Whereas he didn’t point out Udhayanidhi Stalin by title, the reference (bolstered by delivering that part of his speech in Tamil) was unmistakeable, and the DMK returned hearth promptly.
#WATCH | On Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan’s comment ‘Sanatana Dharma can’t be worn out and who mentioned these can be worn out’, Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin says “Let’s wait and see” pic.twitter.com/YUKtOJRnp9
— ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2024
Celebration spokesperson Dr Syed Hafeezullah mentioned the DMK “doesn’t speak about any faith, or Hinduism specifically” however “will proceed to speak towards caste atrocities, untouchability, and caste hierarchy”.
“… it’s the individuals from the BJP, TDP, and Pawan Kalyan who use faith and Hindu gods for political beneficial properties. They’re the true enemies… this assertion (by Mr Kalyan) is an try and divert consideration from crores affected by their insurance policies,” Dr Hafeezullah mentioned.
Udhayanidhi Stalin’s comment about ‘sanatan dharm‘ spawned a livid political row, significantly because it got here simply months earlier than the 2024 Lok Sabha election and amid a concerted push by the Bhartiya Janata Celebration to win voters in Tamil Nadu, a state the place it has by no means had any traction.
The ‘sanatan dharm virus’ row even noticed Prime Minister Narendra Modi communicate out; in a dialogue with information company ANI, Mr Modi criticised the Congress – an ally of the DMK – for associating with “people who find themselves spewing such venom towards ‘sanatan dharm‘”.
READ | MK Stalin’s Son’s “Eradicate ‘Sanatan Dharm‘” Comment Sparks Row
Mr Stalin made the comment at a public occasion in Chennai. He mentioned ‘sanatan dharm‘ couldn’t merely be opposed and needed to be worn out. He argued the thought is inherently regressive, divides individuals on caste and gender, and is basically against equality and social justice.
The uproar was instantaneous however, the day after, Mr Stalin doubled down.
“I’ll repeat the identical factor many times”, he mentioned, whereas additionally clarifying he had solely condemned caste-based variations inside Indian society. “I included all of the religions and never simply Hinduism… I spoke condemning the caste variations, that’s all,” he mentioned.
This morning, after Pawan Kalyan’s jab, the DMK repeated that time. “And, so far as the DMK’s stand on caste untouchability goes.. it’s just like that taken by Periyar. Whoever is selling it… you possibly can name it something however DMK will proceed to oppose these practices,” Dr Hafeezullah mentioned.
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