A fresh political controversy erupted in the Tamil Nadu Assembly after Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin once again made remarks against Sanatana Dharma during the opening session following the 2026 state elections.
The comments quickly triggered sharp reactions from opposition leaders and social media users, reviving debates surrounding his earlier 2023 statements that had already drawn nationwide criticism. During the Assembly session, Udhayanidhi reportedly said that “Sanatan must be eradicated,” repeating a phrase that had previously sparked legal and political backlash.
The issue gained more attention because the remarks came during the first Assembly session after the victory of C. Joseph Vijay and his TVK party, which defeated the DMK in the recent elections. Vijay, who was present in the House during the remarks, did not respond or object, leading to intense discussion online about his silence on the matter.
Political reactions intensified after several BJP leaders condemned the statement, arguing that remarks targeting Hindu beliefs would not be tolerated if directed at other religions. Critics accused the DMK leadership of repeatedly provoking religious sentiments, while supporters of the party defended the comments as part of a broader ideological stand against caste discrimination and social inequality.
The controversy also brought renewed attention to the events surrounding Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony on May 10, where debates had already emerged over Assembly protocol and the order in which the Tamil anthem and Vande Mataram were played.
With Tamil Nadu remaining politically sensitive on issues related to religion, caste, and identity, the latest remarks are expected to fuel fresh political debates across the state in the coming days.