‘Mockery of the Constitution’: FM Sitharaman slams INDIA bloc over DMK’s stand on Sanatan Dharma

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has voiced strong criticism against the DMK and the Opposition bloc INDIA over their stand on “Sanatan Dharma” and Hindus. In a sharp attack on the recent provocative comments made by DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin, who accused Sanatan Dharma of promoting division and discrimination, Sitharaman argued that the DMK and INDIA oppose Hindus and traditional Hindu practices.

In an interview with news channel NDTV, the Finance Minister targeted the Congress party, alleging its support for groups with intentions to “break India.” Sitharaman’s party colleagues have also criticised the Congress, specifically its top leader Sonia Gandhi, despite the party distancing itself from Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks.

“The protest is not against Sanatana Dharma, but rather to eradicate it,” Sitharaman said, emphasising that no constituent of the INDIA bloc has stopped Udhayanidhi Stalin’s controversial statements.

Also Read: ‘Avoid debate on Sanatana Dharma’: MK Stalin to DMK workers

The FM also accused the DMK of pursuing an “anti-Sanatana” policy.

“The people in Tamil Nadu suffered. The rest of the country did not understand it because of a language barrier. It has always been like that. Now, because of social media, you don’t even need a translator to know what a minister is saying. It is not surprising. DMK has been doing it for 70 years. It’s hypocrisy,” she said.

Describing Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks as a “mockery of the constitution,” Sitharaman asserted that he knowingly made these controversial comments despite taking an oath of public office.

Also Read: Udhayanidhi Stalin amps up ‘Sanatana Dharma’ row, shares pic of mosquito repellent

“Sanatana (Dharma) ought to be eradicated like malaria, dengue, and mosquitoes and not opposed,” Udhayanidhi Stalin had stated, drawing a strong backlash from the BJP and its allies. DMK leader A Raja had also triggered a controversy by comparing ‘Sanatan Dharma’ to diseases like AIDS and leprosy, which carry social stigma.

The Congress party, however, distanced itself from these remarks, emphasising its commitment to “sarvadharma sambhav” (equal respect for all religions).

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief MK Stalin clarified that his son’s comments were focused on “inhuman principles preached by Sanatan… that discriminate against Scheduled Castes, tribes, and women” and not meant to offend any religion or religious belief.