Should Action Be Taken Against Deputy CM Udhayanidhi for Calling Sanskrit a ‘Dead Language’?
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Synopsis
The Tamil Nadu BJP has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to take action against Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin for his controversial remarks on Sanskrit. This incident raises questions about linguistic identity and cultural heritage in India. Will the government respond to the BJP's call for action?
Key Takeaways
- Political Controversy: Udhayanidhi's remarks have sparked political tensions.
- Sanskrit's Status: Recognized as a classical language, Sanskrit holds significant cultural weight.
- Constitutional Concerns: The BJP claims the remarks violate constitutional principles.
- Call for Action: The BJP is demanding investigations and potential legal consequences.
- Dialogue Over Division: The focus should be on fostering unity among languages.
Chennai, Nov 24 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu chapter of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has approached Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding swift action against Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin for labeling Sanskrit a “dead language” during a recent gathering in Chennai.
The complaint, submitted by BJP state spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad, asserts that Udhayanidhi’s statements are derogatory, provocative, and contravene constitutional values.
In the letter presented on Monday, it is noted that Udhayanidhi Stalin repeatedly referred to Sanskrit as a “seththa mozhi” (dead language) while addressing a book-release event. He also claimed that the Union government’s advocacy for Sanskrit and Hindi is an imposition on Tamil culture. The BJP has denounced these comments as factually inaccurate and detrimental to the nation’s linguistic and cultural balance.
Prasad emphasized that Sanskrit is acknowledged in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, celebrated worldwide as a classical language, and cherished by millions of Hindus as the liturgical basis of Vedic and temple traditions. “To publicly denigrate such a language is to attack the spirit of the Constitution and hurt the sentiments of millions,” the letter articulates.
The BJP has raised alarms that associating Sanskrit with a perceived threat to Tamil fosters a “false and divisive narrative,” highlighting that both languages have historically coexisted as cornerstones of Indian civilization.
Prasad further argued that such comments from a high-ranking official could disrupt communal harmony and public order.
The party has urged the Home Ministry to launch an immediate investigation and contemplate legal action under provisions related to inciting enmity, offending religious feelings, and causing public disturbances—specifically Sections 153A, 295A, and 505 of the Indian Penal Code, or equivalent clauses under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita if applicable.
Furthermore, the BJP has called upon the Centre to consider constitutional measures under Article 256 to avert the misuse of public office for divisive rhetoric. “We are confident that under your leadership, decisive action will be taken to safeguard the dignity of the Constitution and uphold India’s cultural heritage,” Prasad concluded in the petition. Copies of this representation have also been sent to the Prime Minister and the Governor of Tamil Nadu for their awareness.
Point of View
This incident reflects ongoing tensions around language and identity in India. While the BJP's push for action highlights concerns over cultural heritage, it is essential to foster dialogue rather than division. The focus should remain on promoting harmony among India's diverse languages and cultures.
NationPress
24/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Udhayanidhi Stalin call Sanskrit a 'dead language'?
During a recent event, Udhayanidhi Stalin expressed that Sanskrit is a 'dead language' while criticizing the Union government's promotion of it, suggesting it undermines Tamil.
What repercussions has the BJP proposed?
The BJP has called for an inquiry and potential legal action against Udhayanidhi Stalin for his inflammatory remarks, highlighting their constitutional implications.
What is the significance of Sanskrit in India?
Sanskrit is recognized in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and is regarded as a classical language, holding cultural and religious importance for many Indians.
How has this incident affected communal harmony?
The BJP argues that remarks linking Sanskrit to a threat against Tamil could disrupt communal harmony and create a false narrative around language identities.
What actions have been requested from the Home Ministry?
The BJP has urged the Home Ministry to investigate the remarks and consider legal measures under specific Indian Penal Code sections to address hate speech and public disturbance.
