Udhayanidhi Stalin Defends ‘Sanatana Dharma’ Remarks, Says Target Was Caste Inequality

Udhayanidhi Stalin on Thursday sought to defend his controversial remarks on “Sanatana Dharma,” asserting that his call for its abolition was aimed at ending the caste system and social inequality , not opposing religious belief or temple worship.

In a post on X, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader and current Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly said his comments had been misunderstood and reiterated that the Dravidian movement stood against oppression and discrimination.

“When I say that the caste system should be abolished, it does not mean that no one should go to the temple . It means that everyone should have equal rights , not only in the temple, but also in society,” Udhayanidhi said.

The clarification comes days after fresh controversy erupted over remarks he made during his maiden speech as Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly on Tuesday, where he again called for the “abolition” of Sanatana Dharma, claiming it perpetuated social divisions.

The remarks revived a political storm first triggered in September 2023 , when Udhayanidhi, speaking at a conference in Chennai, had compared Sanatana Dharma to diseases such as dengue and malaria and said it should be “eradicated” rather than merely opposed. The statement drew sharp criticism from opposition parties and Hindu organisations across the country, while also leading to multiple legal complaints and political protests .

In his latest explanation, Udhayanidhi said his comments were rooted in the social justice principles advocated by Periyar E. V. Ramasamy, B. R. Ambedkar, C. N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi.

“We are not against anyone’s belief in God. But we will strongly oppose inequality and oppression ,” he said.

Udhayanidhi also asserted that he was not intimidated by criticism, saying the Dravidian movement itself emerged through resistance and opposition to entrenched social hierarchies.