In a recent development following the controversy sparked by DMK leader and Tamil Nadu minister Udhayindhi Stalin’s remarks on Sanatana Dharma, former union minister A Raja has escalated the discourse by comparing it to ‘HIV or Leprosy.’ This inflammatory statement has ignited a fresh wave of debate and discussion.
During a public event, A Raja stated, “Udayanidhi Stalin spoke about Sanatan in a soft tone and compared it to Malaria and Dengue. But there is no social stigma to those, no abomination from the society. So, it should be seen as HIV or Leprosy. It should be seen like a social evil disease.”
Raja went on to challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to an open debate on the subject. He said, “You come with 10 lakh or 1 crore supporters consisting of Shankaracharya, priests, and with all your weapons to have a discussion on Sanatana Dharma with me in Delhi. I will face you only by having Periyar and Ambedkar books as my weapons. Fix the date and I am ready to come.”
This provocative statement by A Raja has intensified the ongoing controversy surrounding the remarks made by political leaders regarding Sanatana Dharma, raising questions about the boundaries of political discourse and religious sensitivities in the country.
