Chennai, May 15:
Tamil Nadu minister Aadhav Arjuna has called on DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin to clarify his controversial remarks on Sanatan Dharma, intensifying the ongoing political row in the state.
Addressing reporters, Arjuna said Udhayanidhi “doesn’t know what Sanatan Dharma is” and stressed that his statements require clearer explanation. He underlined that the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government stands for equality and respects all religions.
The minister drew a distinction between interpretations of Sanatan Dharma across regions, claiming that while it is often equated with Hinduism in North India, in Tamil Nadu’s socio-political context it is associated with inequality. He reiterated that the government’s stance is against inequality—not any particular religion.
Arjuna also clarified the ideological position of the ruling party, stating, “We are not against Hindus; we are against Hindutva,” emphasising that all faiths—Hinduism, Islam and Christianity—are treated equally under the government.
The controversy stems from Udhayanidhi Stalin’s recent statement in the Assembly where he said Sanatan Dharma “should be eradicated,” arguing that it promotes social divisions.