Adding fuel to the controversy around 'Sanatan Dharma', DMK Minister A Raja on Thursday likened it to be a social disgrace, and equated it to HIV and leprosy.
Speaking at a public event, A Raja said, "Sanatana and Vishwakarma Yojana are not different, they are the same. Udhayanidhi Stalin was soft in comparing and claiming that it should be eradicated like malaria and dengue. But these diseases don't have a social stigma. To be honest, leprosy was seen as disgusting and so was HIV. So, we need to see this as a disease ridden with social plights like HIV and leprosy."
Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Youth Minister of Tamil Nadu, had earlier likened Sanatan Dharma with vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, saying that it should be “eradicated.” However, in a statement issued today, the DMK leader claimed that PM Narendra Modi and his ministers were using his remarks as a ploy to divert attention from other issues such as violence in Manipur and corruption.
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Defending his son, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Thursday said that he had expressed certain comments about the "inhuman principles" preached in it and never mentioned 'genocide'. "Pro-BJP forces, unable to tolerate his stance against oppressive principles, have spread a false narrative, alleging Udhayanidhi called for the genocide of people with Sanatan thoughts," Stalin said in a statement.
Meanwhile, speaking in the context of his remarks, DMK's A Raja said that he is prepared give answers to ministers.
"I am prepared to give answers for all cabinet ministers if the Prime Minister convenes the meeting and let them permit me. I will explain which one is 'Sanatana dharma' thereafter you decide," A Raja had told reporters.
