NCP-SP leader Fahad Ahmad on Tuesday sharply criticised Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, over his renewed call for the eradication of Sanatan Dharma, terming the statement "childish and inappropriate." The remarks came shortly after Stalin made the comments in the presence of newly elected Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, triggering a fresh political controversy.

Ahmad's Criticism

Fahad Ahmad did not mince words, calling the statement "extremely childish" and urging political leaders to refrain from attacking any religion. "Making such remarks about any religion is, I think, completely inappropriate and immature from Udhayanidhi Stalin," Ahmad said. He further termed the statement as "shameful."

Ahmad invoked the Constitution of India, noting that it guarantees every religion the right to practise its faith. He also pointed out that the majority of India's population follows Hinduism. "One cannot criticise a religion like this that often," he asserted.

The NCP-SP leader drew a distinction between political opposition and religious criticism, suggesting that those who wish to reform any religion — whether Hinduism or Islam — must do so through the path of "social reform," not inflammatory public statements.

Congress-DMK Split and INDIA Bloc Dynamics

Ahmad used the occasion to congratulate the Indian National Congress for breaking its alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led front and extending support to Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), a move that helped the latter cross the majority mark in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.

He noted that Congress is a key ally of NCP-SP within the INDIA bloc, and that the DMK's repeated anti-Sanatan remarks had placed Congress in "uncomfortable situations." The split, according to Ahmad, reflects growing unease within the opposition alliance over such statements.

BJP's Reaction

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Nazia Elahi Khan also weighed in, arguing that the Tamil Nadu election results themselves were a rebuke to the DMK. "The people of Tamil Nadu have given an answer by giving their mandate to Vijay. If they still don't get it, then I think they will get it after complete destruction," she said.

Khan drew a sharp line between political rivalry and religious provocation. "Political fight, political vendetta and even political revenge are acceptable, but fighting with Lord Ram is not. You fight with the political party, you don't fight with Sanatan," she asserted.

Context and Background

Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of Tamil Nadu former Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin, has previously made headlines for similar remarks against Sanatan Dharma, drawing condemnation from across the political spectrum. His latest statement, made in a high-profile setting alongside the newly sworn-in Chief Minister, has reignited the debate over the boundaries of political and religious discourse in India.

With the INDIA bloc already navigating internal tensions, the episode underscores the fault lines that anti-religion rhetoric can create within coalition politics. How the DMK responds — and whether Udhayanidhi Stalin walks back his remarks — will likely shape alliance dynamics in the lead-up to future electoral contests.