Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin's son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, ignited controversy during a 'Sanatana Abolition Conference' when he made comments comparing Sanatana dharma to diseases like "dengue" and "malaria" and advocated for its eradication. Udhayanidhi Stalin, who also serves as a minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development in the DMK government, asserted that Sanatana dharma is opposed to social justice and equality.

He stated, "Few things cannot be opposed, that should be abolished only. We can't oppose dengue, mosquitoes, malaria, or corona. We have to eradicate this. That's how we have to eradicate Sanatana." Furthermore, he suggested that instead of merely opposing Sanatana, it should be completely eradicated, pointing out that the term "Sanatana" is derived from Sanskrit and is contrary to principles of social justice and equality. Amit Malviya, the head of the BJP IT cell, strongly criticized Udhayanidhi Stalin for his remarks, alleging that he was advocating for the "genocide" of the 80 percent of the population that follows Sanatana dharma.

Udhayanidhi Stalin’s hate speech with Hindi subtitles.

Rahul Gandhi speaks of ‘मोहब्बत की दुकान’ but Congress ally DMK’s scion talks about eradicating Sanatana Dharma. Congress’s silence is support for this genocidal call…

I.N.D.I Alliance, true to its name, if given an… https://t.co/hfTVBBxHQ5 pic.twitter.com/ymMY04f983

— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) September 2, 2023

In response to these criticisms, Udhayanidhi Stalin clarified his stance, denying that he called for the genocide of Sanatana dharma followers. He reiterated his commitment to representing marginalized communities who, he claimed, were suffering due to Sanatana dharma. He expressed his readiness to face any legal challenges related to his remarks and emphasized that the DMK government, under the leadership of MK Stalin, would continue to fight for social justice and an egalitarian society.

Udhayanidhi Stalin concluded by stating, "Bring it on. I am ready to face any legal challenge. We will not be cowed down by such usual saffron threats. We, the followers of Periyar, Anna, and Kalaignar, would fight forever to uphold social justice and establish an egalitarian society under the able guidance of our Chief Minister MK Stalin. I will say it today, tomorrow and forever -- our resolve to stop Sanatana dharma from the Dravidian land would not reduce even a bit."