Udhayanidhi's Sanatan Dharma remark draws BJP Telangana fire
Synopsis
Udhayanidhi Stalin doubled down on his Sanatan Dharma remarks — this time from the floor of the Tamil Nadu Assembly — in the presence of newly sworn-in Chief Minister C. Vijay, who stayed silent. BJP Telangana's chief has now warned of public consequences, raising the political temperature well beyond state lines.
Key Takeaways
Udhayanidhi Stalin reiterated his call for the abolition of Sanatan Dharma in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on 13 May .
The remarks were made in the presence of newly sworn-in Chief Minister C.
Vijay , who did not publicly respond.
BJP Telangana President N.
Ramachandra Rao said the DMK leader would "definitely face the anger of the people." Udhayanidhi also alleged that the Tamil Thai Vazhthu invocation was pushed to third place at the recent swearing-in ceremony.
The BJP cited the DMK's recent electoral setbacks as a sign that voters are already registering disapproval of the party's stance.
Former Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Wednesday, 13 May reiterated his call for the "eradication" of Sanatan Dharma during Assembly proceedings in Tamil Nadu, drawing sharp condemnation from BJP Telangana President N. Ramachandra Rao, who warned that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader would "definitely face the heat of the people."
What Udhayanidhi Said in the Assembly
Speaking as the Leader of Opposition, Udhayanidhi raised objections over the recent swearing-in ceremony of the new Tamil Nadu government, alleging that the state's traditional invocation song "Tamil Thai Vazhthu" had been relegated to the third position in the order of events rather than being given its customary priority. "Sanatan Dharma, which divides people, must certainly be abolished," he said from the floor of the House. He further asserted that the Opposition "will not permit" any attempt to sideline the Tamil invocation.
Notably, the remarks were made in the presence of newly sworn-in Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Vijay, who did not publicly comment on the controversy during the Assembly session.
BJP Telangana's Sharp Reaction
N. Ramachandra Rao did not hold back in his response. "Udhayanidhi Stalin has once again stated that Sanatan Dharma should be abolished. Even after losing the elections, the DMK has not learned its lessons. They continue to maintain an anti-Hindu and anti-Sanatana stance," Rao said.
He further argued that Sanatan Dharma and Hindutva command respect across the country, including in Tamil Nadu itself. "Tamil Nadu has one of the highest numbers of temples, and many of them are well-maintained. His statement is an insult to the entire Hindu community, whether they are from Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Delhi, or Kashmir. Sooner or later, he will definitely face the anger of the people," Rao added.
Political Context and Broader Implications
This is not the first time Udhayanidhi has made such remarks — his earlier comments on Sanatan Dharma had triggered a nationwide political storm, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and several Hindu organisations demanding an apology. The reiteration of those remarks inside the Assembly, rather than at a party rally, has amplified the controversy this time.
Rao also pointed to the DMK's recent electoral setbacks as evidence that voters have already begun to register their displeasure. "He has to face the consequences. The DMK has already suffered setbacks in the elections, and now the entire country is watching how they are behaving," he said.
This comes amid an already charged political atmosphere in Tamil Nadu following the formation of the new government under Chief Minister C. Vijay, with questions over protocol at the swearing-in ceremony adding a fresh flashpoint to the ongoing culture-politics debate in the state.
What Happens Next
The BJP is expected to intensify its campaign against the DMK over the remarks, particularly in states with significant Hindu voter bases such as Telangana. Whether the controversy prompts a formal response from the new Tamil Nadu government or Chief Minister Vijay remains to be seen.
Point of View
Not a slip. It signals that the DMK under its younger leadership sees the issue as an electoral identity marker, not a liability. The BJP's counter-offensive, led here by its Telangana unit rather than its Tamil Nadu wing, suggests a pan-India mobilisation strategy around the controversy. What is missing from this debate is any substantive engagement with the specific protocol grievance Udhayanidhi raised — the alleged sidelining of Tamil Thai Vazhthu at the swearing-in. That legitimate cultural concern is being drowned out by the louder religious flashpoint, which suits both sides politically.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Udhayanidhi Stalin say about Sanatan Dharma in the Assembly?
Udhayanidhi Stalin said "Sanatan Dharma, which divides people, must certainly be abolished" while addressing the Tamil Nadu Assembly on 13 May as Leader of Opposition. He made the remarks while raising objections over the alleged sidelining of the Tamil invocation song Tamil Thai Vazhthu at the new government's swearing-in ceremony.
Why did Udhayanidhi raise the Tamil Thai Vazhthu issue?
He alleged that the traditional Tamil invocation song was placed third in the order of events at the recent swearing-in ceremony of the new Tamil Nadu government, rather than being given its customary first position. He said the Opposition would not permit any attempt to sideline the song.
How did BJP Telangana respond to Udhayanidhi's remarks?
BJP Telangana President N. Ramachandra Rao condemned the remarks, saying the DMK has not learned from its electoral losses and continues an anti-Hindu stance. He warned that Udhayanidhi would "definitely face the anger of the people" across Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Delhi, and Kashmir.
Did Chief Minister C. Vijay respond to the controversy?
Chief Minister C. Vijay was present in the Assembly when Udhayanidhi made the remarks but did not publicly comment on the issue during the session.
Is this the first time Udhayanidhi has made such remarks?
No. Udhayanidhi Stalin had previously made similar remarks calling for the eradication of Sanatan Dharma, which triggered a major political controversy at the national level. His reiteration in the Assembly on 13 May marks a fresh escalation of that ongoing row.
