Udhayanidhi Stalin repeats controversial 'eradication of Sanatan' comment

13-May-2026

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The controversy surrounding Sanatan Dharma returned to Tamil Nadu’s political arena, and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin is again at the centre of it. The Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu assembly advocated for the ‘eradication of sanatan’ again on the floor of the house, triggering reactions from multiple corners. However, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, who was present at the house, stayed silent.

“Sanathanam, which separated people, should be eradicated,” said Stalin on the first day of the assembly session right after the 2026 state elections. His remarks mirrored his earlier comments on Sanatan Dharma, in which he equated the ancient religion with diseases like dengue and malaria, and urged people to eradicate it. The comments led to huge legal trouble for Stalin, as several court cases were filed against him.