After tensions flared in Tamil Nadu’s politics following DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks against Sanatan Dharma a few days ago, he defended them on Thursday, asserting that his criticism was directed at caste system and not at anyone’s religious faith or Hindu worship.

Notably, he had delivered a speech in Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly a few days ago, where his derogatory remarks against Sanatan Dharma drew flak from the BJP and several pro-Hindu organisations, reigniting a debate that has repeatedly surfaced in the state’s political landscape.

Stalin took to ‘X’ on Thursday to clarify his stance, maintaining that his comments were centred on social equality and the abolition of caste-based discrimination.

“Caste system must be abolished”

His post read,” When I spoke in the TN Legislative Assembly, I said the caste system that divides people must be abolished. Some people criticise me for this. I am not a person who is afraid. The Dravidian movement emerged out of opposition.”

He then sought to draw a distinction between religion and social hierarchy, stressing that advocating the abolition of caste should not be interpreted as hostility towards faith or religious practices. His statement read, “When I say that the caste system should be abolished, it does not mean that no one should go to the temple.” Furthermore, he argued that equality should extend beyond places of worship and must become a broader societal principle.

The DMK leader then invoked the ideological legacy of prominent Dravidian and social justice icons, such as Periyar EV Ramasamy, BR Ambedkar, CN Annadurai and M Karunanidhi. He wrote, “We are not against anyone’s belief in God. But we will strongly oppose inequality and oppression.”

BJP launches sharp attack on Stalin

Stalin’s earlier remarks on Sanatan Dharma in the state’s legislative assembly drew immediate criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with party leaders accusing him of hurting the religious sentiments of the Hindus. BJP chief spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy launched a scathing attack on the DMK, claiming the party conceded defeat to the TVK in the Assembly Polls 2026 due to public anger over such statements.