'Not Opposed To Any Language, Religion': MK Stalin In Interview To Hindi Daily As DMK Tries To Control Damage On 'Eradicate Sanatana Dharma' Remark

In what appears to be an effort to mitigate the fallout from his son Udhayanidhi Stalin's "eradicate Sanatana dharma remark," Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, in what is perhaps a first-of-its-kind interview with the Hindi daily Dainik Jagran, emphasised that his party, the DMK, is not opposed any language or religion in the country.

On the question of opposing Hindi, the CM said Tamil language had been accorded the status of India's first classical language, and if there were ever any attempts to diminish Tamil or impose Hindi, it would not be tolerated by his party.

He emphasised that the founder of the DMK, Anna, had made this clear in the Rajya Sabha in 1962. He said the party's opposition was against the imposition of any language, and that it is essential to recognize that this sentiment extended to states like Bengal, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

The CM added that approximately 50 years ago, Anna introduced the Tamil-English bilingual policy in Tamil Nadu.

"Today, we have advanced in the Education Development Index, and it is possible because there is no burden of a third language here. The goals set in the new education policy have already been surpassed, and we are in the process of formulating a new education policy that will be exceptional for Tamil Nadu," CM Stalin told Dainik Jagran.

When asked about his son Udhayanidhi Stalin's remarks against Sanatana dharma, the CM said the controversy arose due to misinformation.

He [Udhayanidhi] stated that caste-based inequalities should be eradicated, and the BJP's IT cell spread it as an attempt to abolish Hindutva ["हिंदुत्व"]. Similarly, Udhayanidhi did not use the word 'genocide.' The truth is that elections are approaching, and the BJP is unable to count its concrete achievements; corruption is rampant," the Tamil Nadu CM said.

Asked if such comments against Sanatana dharma help the DMK politically in the state, the emphasised his respect for all religions.

He highlighted his government's actions during the 894 days in power, citing the renovation of over 1,000 temples and the retrieval of temple properties from encroachers, resulting in the liberation of property worth 5,000 crore rupees within two and a half years.

In the interview, the Tamil Nadu CM also answered questions on issues such as freebies, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been targeting in Opposition-ruled states, and his government's decision to provide free breakfast at all primary schools in the state.

When asked about the issue of freebies, the CM stated that characterising these initiatives as "freebies" would be inappropriate.

He emphasised that every scheme in Tamil Nadu is designed to promote social welfare and address the needs of the people.

"For instance, the provision of free electricity has been a lifeline for farmers, while free bus services for students have enhanced educational accessibility and paved the way for higher education opportunities. Additionally, the distribution of items such as colour TVs and gas stoves has positively impacted the lives of women," he said.

The Tamil Nadu CM pointed out that similar schemes are also being implemented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.