Smriti Irani's remarks in response to Udhayanidhi Stalin's comments on Sanatan Dharma have ignited a controversy that unfolded against the backdrop of the festive Janmashtami celebrations at Dwarka's ISKCON temple. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency as the ongoing controversy was openly addressed before the assembled crowd.
The Union Minister proposed that the reverberations of devotional chants should reach those who are challenging the age-old tradition of Sanatan Dharma. Her message underscored the enduring strength of religious belief systems as long as there are devoted followers.
She said, "The sounds of the devout should echo in the ears of those who question Sanatan Dharma. They should comprehend that as long as there are faithful adherents, neither the religion nor the beliefs can be undermined."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also entered the fray, discussing the matter with his cabinet members during a recent meeting. He urged his ministers to engage in the ongoing debate with well-founded arguments, signaling the government's intent to confront the issue head-on and potentially use it as a political tool against the opposition.
However, the controversy surrounding Sanatan Dharma escalated following Udhayanidhi Stalin's statement. The Tamil Nadu Minister likened this tradition to diseases like dengue and malaria, advocating for its eradication. Despite facing numerous complaints and criticisms, Udhayanidhi has neither retracted his statement nor issued an apology.
Interestingly, Udhayanidhi clarified that his criticism was directed towards a caste-based societal structure associated with Sanatan Dharma, rather than Hinduism itself. He cited the case of President Droupadi Murmu, claiming that she was not invited to a significant event due to her caste.
In response, Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai argued that Droupadi Murmu's rise to the presidency was made possible by Sanatan Dharma, raising questions about why the DMK did not support her during the presidential election, adding a new layer to the ongoing debate.
Prominent Figures Petition CJI to Address Udhayanidhi Stalin's Critique of Sanatan Dharma
