Title: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Questions Prime Minister’s Response to Minister Udhayanidhi’s Statement
Subtitle: Chief Minister Stalin accuses Prime Minister Modi of spreading false news
Date: [Date]
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin has raised concerns over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response to the recent statement made by Youth Welfare and Sports Development Minister Udhayanidhi. In a statement issued by Chief Minister Stalin, he questioned whether the Prime Minister was speaking ignorantly or knowingly about what Minister Udhayanidhi said.
Minister Udhayanidhi had addressed an anti-Sanatana conference held in Chennai on behalf of the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers’ Artists Association, where he expressed views on eliminating backward, scheduled caste, and tribal women’s oppression. However, the Chief Minister clarified that Udhayanidhi did not speak offensively towards any religion or religious belief.
The Chief Minister pointed out that notable figures such as Periyar, Ambedkar, Jyothiba Phule, Narayanaguru, Vallalar, and Vaikunder have spoken against conservative varnasiram, humanist, and Sanatana ideas that promote inequality based on birth and female subjugation. These arguments against caste-based exploitation and the denial of women’s rights continue to resonate across India.
In response to Minister Udhayanidhi’s statement, pro-BJP forces reportedly spread the false narrative that he had ordered the genocide of Sanatan-minded people. The Chief Minister emphasized that Udhayanidhi never used the term “genocide” in either Tamil or English. However, Union Ministers, including Home Minister Amit Shah and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, condemned Udhayanidhi based on this misinformation.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister criticized the silence of the Uttar Pradesh state government regarding a spiritualist who burned an effigy of Minister Udhayanidhi and put a bounty of 10 crore rupees on his head. Instead of taking action against the person making threats, the government filed a case against Udhayanidhi.
Chief Minister Stalin questioned the Prime Minister’s knowledge and authenticity behind his recent remarks about responding appropriately to criticism of Sanatana. He highlighted the Prime Minister’s previous instance of making statements without verifying their authenticity, referring to a video involving Minister AV Velu.
Taking a dig at the Prime Minister’s priorities, the Chief Minister pointed out that Modi and Union Ministers have remained silent about important issues like Manipur or the 7.50 lakh crore rupees irregularities mentioned in the CAG report. Instead, they seem to be focusing on the Sanatana narrative while neglecting the welfare of backward communities, scheduled castes, tribal people, and women.
The Chief Minister further stated that the ‘India’ coalition formed by anti-BJP parties has unsettled the Prime Minister, as evidenced by his proposal for ‘one country – one election.’ Chief Minister Stalin suggested that the BJP’s concern is not genuine support for Sanatana but rather an attempt to create divisions within the opposition alliance.
In a surprising turn, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat recently acknowledged the need for special solutions, including reservation, to address inequality in society. The Chief Minister suggested that if the BJP requires clarification regarding Udhayanidhi’s statement, they should listen to Bhagwat’s statement.
Chief Minister Stalin concluded by urging experienced leaders committed to the country to reject the petty politics of using religious sentiments for personal gain. He stated that the DMK party’s principles prioritize the upliftment of backward, scheduled, and tribal communities, minorities, and women. He emphasized that the DMK respects every individual and strives for a peaceful society where everyone can live together regardless of their background.
In response to the Chief Minister’s statement, it remains to be seen how the Prime Minister and Union Ministers will address the concerns raised and clarify their stance on Minister Udhayanidhi’s statement.