Amid the escalating controversy surrounding DMK leader and Tamil Nadu sports minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s statement about “eradicating Sanatan Dharma,” the Congress emphasized its commitment to respecting all religions, while acknowledging that every political party has the freedom to express its views.
During a press conference at the party’s headquarters in Delhi, Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal stated, “Our view is clear. ‘Sarva Dharma Samabhava’ (respect for all religions) is the Congress’ ideology. But you have to understand every political party has the freedom to express their views…. We are respecting everybody’s belief.”
This statement came in response to criticism from BJP leaders, including Union home minister Amit Shah and party president JP Nadda, who accused the Congress and the opposition Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) of “insulting” India’s culture and history in light of Udhayanidhi’s remarks.
Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad questioned the Congress’ silence on the matter and addressed Rahul Gandhi, asking why he was silent and whether his temple visits were merely pretense.
Udhayanidhi made his controversial comments during a conference organized by the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers Artists Association in Chennai. He argued that Sanatan was opposed to the idea of social justice and needed to be eradicated. BJP IT cell head Amit Malaviya accused Udhayanidhi of advocating for the “genocide” of Sanatan Dharma followers.
In response, Udhayanidhi clarified in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that he never called for the genocide of Sanatan Dharma followers and asserted that uprooting Sanatan Dharma was about upholding humanity and human equality, as he believed it divided people based on caste and religion.
