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A fresh political squall has arisen in the state of Tamil Nadu, with the DMK leader and leader of the opposition, Udhayanidhi Stalin, reiterating his contentious statements on Sanatan Dharma during the Assembly session. Udhayanidhi repeated this assertion from the same sentiments as the one he had made in 2023, which had led to an uproar around the country, that “Sanatana Dharma, which is the cause of dividing people, must be wiped out.

The new chief minister, C. Joseph Vijay, who was just sworn in (actor Vijay), was seen in the House, without any reaction or intervention, with his hands folded, listening to the proceedings. In the aftermath of these videos, there was a widespread questioning of whether the CM endorsed or condoned anti-Hindu comments, which led to harsh criticism from BJP leaders and other Hindu groups.

Udhayanidhi made the remarks as he was raising questions about the swearing-in ceremony. The incident has brought heated debate on secularism, Sanatan Dharma, and political tolerance in the state to a boil. Both Udhayanidhi and CM Vijay have been attacked by the BJP for their silence, as it is an insult to the feelings of the Hindus. It is an early test of the new government in the state of Tamil Nadu's handling of taking up sensitive cultural and religious issues.