‘Udhayanidhi never used word genocide’: MK Stalin says BJP ‘spread false narrative’ on son’s ‘Sanatan Dharma’ remark

Stalin said it was disheartening that the PM, during a meeting of his council of ministers, said Udhayanidhi's remarks need a proper response.

By: Express Web Desk

New Delhi | Updated: September 7, 2023 03:41 PM IST

3 min read

Udayanidhi Stalin; M K Stalin

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin Thursday defended his son Udhayanidhi Stalin saying that he expressed his views about the discriminatory principles of the Sanatan Dharma and did not intend to offend any religion or beliefs. However, it was the pro-BJP forces that have woven “a false narrative” against the minister for sports and youth affairs in the Tamil Nadu government, he rued.

“He (Udhayanidhi) expressed his views on Sanatan principles that discriminate against scheduled castes, tribals, and women, with no intention to offend any religion or religious beliefs. Pro-BJP forces are unable to tolerate his stance against oppressive principles and have spread a false narrative, alleging that ‘Udhayanidhi called for the genocide of people with Sanatan thoughts,'” Stalin said in a statement. “The social media mob nurtured by the BJP has widely circulated this falsehood in northern states. However, Hon’ble Minister Udayanidhi never used the word genocide in either Tamil or English. Still, lies were spread claiming so.”

This comes after BJP IT department head Amit Malviya took to X (formerly Twitter) and said that Udhayanidhi’s remark — “Sanatana Dharma should be eradicated” — was a call for “genocide” of 80 per cent of the population that follows it.

Stalin said it was disheartening that the PM, during a meeting of his council of ministers, said Udhayanidhi’s remarks need a proper response. “The Prime Minister has access to all the resources to verify any claim or report. So, is the Prime Minister speaking unaware of the lies spread about Udhayanidhi, or does he do so knowingly?,” he asked.

During an event on Saturday, Udhayanidhi compared Sanatan Dharma with diseases like dengue and malaria. He said Sanatan Dharma should not merely be opposed but eradicated. His comments sparked a backlash from political parties, with BJP insisting on the Congress to condemn his remarks.

Supporting the DMK leader, Priyank Kharge, son of All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge, said any religion that does not ensure the dignity of a human being is like a disease.

The Uttar Pradesh Police have already booked both Udhayanidhi and Priyank for allegedly outraging religious feelings in the wake of row over the former’s remarks on Sanatan Dharma.

Udhayanidhi too accused the BJP of “twisting” his words and using his statements as a ploy to divert attention. The Tamil Nadu leader said he would face all the cases in connection with his remarks legally.

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