It has been seized upon by the BJP, who are using it to portray an assault on Hindus, Hinduism, and the nation’s distinctive character, customs, and values. When elections are approaching, it views it as a fortunate weapon it has at its disposal.
Source: Thaiger
If it becomes a part of the political and electoral narrative that the BJP is creating, it might hurt the opposition alliance. Because of this, there is uncertainty among various parties’ and the alliance’s leaders’ leaders. Most people have cut ties with it. There are several responses within the Congress, ranging from diplomatic deflection to resistance to support.
However, in general, there is little encouragement and everyone is wary. That demonstrates how bad the comment was. Udhayanidhi misframed the situation and presented it in such a way that it makes it difficult to defend and justify him without endangering himself. It was amenable to the self-serving interpretation of the BJP, and the group has even asserted that Udhayanidhi had called for genocide.
On the grounds that Udhayanidhi’s remarks constitute hate speech, petitions have been filed in court requesting action against him; nevertheless, there is also counterpetition. Udhayanidhi Stalin was reiterating the Dravidian ideology of his organization. Sanatan Dharma is equated in the Dravidian perspective with Brahmanical religion and a caste-based social structure. It may have been criticized by Udhayanidhi in a friendlier manner. The fact that the concept of Sanatan Dharma has been interpreted differently and has never had a precise definition is said to be one of its strengths because it can mean different things to different individuals.
Source: The Indian Express
The fact that the remarks have sparked such a heated debate on a national scale is a reflection of the times. A few years ago, it would have been completely disregarded or discounted as a citizen’s exercise of their right to free speech. Without making much noise, it might have also sparked some conversations and disputes about its ramifications. However, the debate is only expected when there are monopolistic claims of ownership of Sanatan Dharma and its definition and interpretation.
What do you think about this? Comment below.
