DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin responded with a smile and a brief, four-word comment on Friday to Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan's recent comments regarding his past remarks comparing sanatan dharma to diseases like malaria and dengue.
"Let's wait and see," Stalin said when asked about the controversy.
On Thursday, Pawan Kalyan, who is also the Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister, issued a strong challenge to "a Tamil Nadu leader who says sanatan dharma is like a virus and should be destroyed."
He was speaking at Tirupati temple during an ongoing controversy over allegations that animal fat was used in the ghee for the temple’s offerings.
In his fiery speech, Pawan Kalyan, wearing saffron and declaring himself an "unapologetic sanatani Hindu," warned, "Don’t say sanatan dharma is like a virus and that you will destroy it. Whoever said this... you cannot wipe out sanatan dharma. If anyone tries... they will be wiped out."
Although Pawan Kalyan did not name Udhayanidhi Stalin directly, the reference was clear, especially as he delivered part of his speech in Tamil. The DMK was quick to respond.
DMK spokesperson Dr. Syed Hafeezullah clarified that the party does not target any particular religion, including Hinduism, but focuses on opposing caste discrimination and hierarchy.
He accused Pawan Kalyan, the BJP, and TDP of using religion and Hindu deities for political gain, claiming, "This statement is an attempt to divert attention from the millions affected by their policies."
The controversy around Udhayanidhi’s original comment on sanatan dharma, which likened it to a virus, sparked a major political row. This came just months before the 2024 Lok Sabha election, with the BJP aiming to make inroads in Tamil Nadu, a state where it has historically struggled.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also weighed in, criticizing the Congress, an ally of the DMK, for associating with people making such remarks.
Udhayanidhi, however, stood by his comments, explaining that his criticism was aimed at caste-based divisions in Indian society, which he believes are regressive and oppose equality and social justice.
After Pawan Kalyan’s comments, the DMK reiterated its stance.
Dr. Hafeezullah stated, "The DMK's position on caste untouchability aligns with that of Periyar and other founders of the Dravidian movement. We will continue to oppose these practices, regardless of what they are called."
