Udhayanidhi Stalin refuses to apologise for remarks on Sanatana Dharma
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has reiterated that he will not apologise for his controversial statements advocating the "eradication" of Sanatana Dharma. He clarified that his remarks were aimed at addressing what he called the repressive practices against women. Stalin, a leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), said his words were misinterpreted, leading to the controversy that began in September 2023.
Speaking at an event on Monday, Udhayanidhi highlighted that his views were in line with the beliefs of prominent Dravidian leaders such as Periyar, former Chief Minister CN Annadurai, and his grandfather, M Karunanidhi. "Women were historically denied education, confined to their homes, and forced to die if their husbands passed away. Periyar spoke against these practices, and I echoed what Periyar, Anna, and Kalaignar stood for," he said.
In September 2023, Udhayanidhi, the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, sparked controversy after comparing Sanatana Dharma to diseases like "dengue" and "malaria" and calling for its eradication. He argued that Sanatana Dharma was opposed to social justice and equality, a statement that led to widespread backlash, especially from the BJP and Hindu organisations, resulting in legal cases being filed against him.
Despite the criticism, Udhayanidhi maintained that his remarks were misrepresented. "They asked me to apologise, but I stand by what I said. I am the grandson of Kalaignar, and I will not apologise," he asserted, vowing to face the legal challenges.
The Deputy Chief Minister also accused the central government of attempting to impose Hindi in Tamil Nadu, citing the omission of certain words from the state anthem during a recent Doordarshan Tamil programme as evidence. He urged new parents to choose Tamil names for their children, as a way of resisting the imposition of Hindi through policies such as the new education system.
Udhayanidhi, who previously served as the state's sports minister, was appointed Deputy Chief Minister on September 30, 2024. His elevation was reportedly delayed due to the controversy surrounding his Sanatana Dharma remarks.
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Two held for assaulting policemen over drinking in public
Bengaluru (PTI): Two police personnel on patrolling duty were allegedly abused and assaulted by a group of four youths after being asked not to consume alcohol in a public place, police said on Wednesday.
Two of the accused -- an engineering student and a software engineer, both in their 20s -- have been arrested in the case, they said.
Efforts are being made to nab the other two suspects, who have been identified, police added.
The incident occurred in the early hours of May 1, when the two personnel, attached to Amrutahalli police station, were patrolling on a two-wheeler near Akashavani Layout, they said.
According to police, while patrolling around 3 am, they noticed four youths who had stopped their car on the road and were consuming alcohol. When they were told to leave, as drinking alcohol in a public place is not permitted, one among them suddenly started abusing them.
When the policemen attempted to take out their lathi from the vehicle, the youths allegedly caught hold of them from behind, grabbed and dragged them, and tore one of their uniforms, the FIR stated.
They assaulted them with their hands and with rings worn, causing injuries to their faces. They also kicked them, causing pain, it said.
Thereafter, the accused allegedly snatched the key of their vehicle, pushed them to the ground, and fled the scene in their car at high speed, police said.
The policemen then immediately went to a hospital for treatment and lodged a complaint against four unknown youths, following which an FIR was registered against them under Sections 121(1) (voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt to deter a public servant from duty), 132 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of duty), 304 (snatching), and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
"We have arrested two people in the case and efforts are being made to nab the other two suspects who have been identified," a senior police officer said.
