Udhayanidhi Stalin echoes his 2023 hateful remarks, calls for need to eradicate Sanatan Dharma
The controversy revives a political storm that first erupted in 2023 when Udhayanidhi Stalin compared Sanatan Dharma to diseases such as dengue and malaria and said it should be eradicated rather than merely opposed.
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Tamil Nadu politics has once again witnessed controversy over remarks on Sanatan Dharma, after DMK leader and Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin reiterated his ideological opposition to Sanatan Dharma during discussions surrounding the new Tamil Nadu Assembly session.
Despite criticism, DMK leaders have defended the statement as an ideological critique rooted in the Dravidian movement’s opposition to caste discrimination and social hierarchy, not a call against individuals or believers. The renewed debate is expected to intensify political confrontations inside the Tamil Nadu Assembly in the coming days as both the ruling government and the opposition sharpen their ideological attacks ahead of key legislative sessions.
The controversy revives a political storm that first erupted in 2023 when Udhayanidhi Stalin compared Sanatan Dharma to diseases such as dengue and malaria and said it should be eradicated rather than merely opposed. His remarks had then triggered nationwide outrage, sharp criticism from Hindu organizations, BJP leaders, and several religious groups.
The issue has resurfaced amid the dramatic political changes in Tamil Nadu following the 2026 Assembly elections. Actor turned politician C. Joseph Vijay recently took oath as Chief Minister, while Udhayanidhi Stalin now serves as the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly after the DMK’s electoral setback. CM Vijay, meanwhile, sat with folded hands and a neutral expression, drawing criticism for not objecting.
Chennai | Speaking in Tamil Nadu Assembly, Leader of Opposition & DMK MLA, Udhayanidhi Stalin says, "Sanathanam, which seperated people, should be eradicated.". pic.twitter.com/R8DOnkSP2x
— ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2026
During recent Assembly-related political exchanges, Udhayanidhi continued to defend the Dravidian movement’s ideological stand against what he described as social inequality linked to Sanathanam. BJP leaders and NDA allies strongly attacked the remarks, accusing him of targeting Hindu beliefs and hurting religious sentiments.
Chennai | Speaking in the Assembly, Leader of Opposition & DMK leader, Udhayanidhi Stalin says, "Yesterday, the CM received wishes from our leader and many other leaders. This political civility should continue in this House also. Even if we sit in different rows as ruling… pic.twitter.com/fUQr3mPLg2
— ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2026
The controversy had also reached the courts earlier this year. The Madras High Court reportedly observed that comments calling for the eradication of Sanatan Dharma could fall under the category of hate speech if interpreted as targeting followers of the faith.
Despite criticism, DMK leaders have defended the statement as an ideological critique rooted in the Dravidian movement’s opposition to caste discrimination and social hierarchy, not a call against individuals or believers. The renewed debate is expected to intensify political confrontations inside the Tamil Nadu Assembly in the coming days as both the ruling government and the opposition sharpen their ideological attacks ahead of key legislative sessions.