In recent times, members of the newly formed I.N.D.I.A. Alliance, which claims to unite India, have faced backlash for openly expressing hostility towards Hindus and Sanatana Dharma. Notably, prominent figures within this alliance have made derogatory statements, yet there has been no condemnation from key political leaders and their purported secular allies. During the "Sanatana Abolition Conclave," Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Youth Welfare and Sports Development Minister of Tamil Nadu and the son of the Chief Minister, compared Sanatana Dharma to deadly diseases such as Covid-19, Malaria, and Dengue. He advocated for its eradication, sparking outrage. Priyank Khadge, a minister in the Karnataka government, when asked for his reactions, he outrightly supported Udhayanidhi and declared that any religion (Sanatana in context) not promoting equality is akin to a ‘disease’. Meanwhile, A. Raja, known for his involvement in the 2G Spectrum Scam, went a step further, likening Sanatana Dharma to not only Covid-19, Malaria, and Dengue but also Measles and HIV AIDS. Although, this controversial stance is consistent with the historical alignment of Periyarist ideologues, including M. Karunanidhi and his followers, against Sanatana Dharma. While they profess to be secular, they openly embrace their Christian identities. The inflammatory rhetoric has not gone unnoticed. An FIR has been filed against Udhayanidhi Stalin and Priyank Khadge in Uttar Pradesh for hurting religious sentiments, and pleas have been submitted to the Supreme Court, urging the Tamil Nadu Police to arrest Udhayanidhi for his hate speech. These actions are based on the recent Supreme Court order in the Shaheen Abdulla Vs Union of India case, which encourages authorities to take proactive measures in such cases. In summary, the I.N.D.I.A. Alliance, while claiming to promote unity in India, has been embroiled in controversy due to the anti-Hindu remarks of its members, with significant backlash and legal action following their comments. The silence of certain political figures on this matter continues to draw attention.
Despite Supreme Court clear direction to the governments and police authorities to take suo motu action in such cases without waiting for the lodging of formal complaints, Tamil Nadu Police is yet to register a single FIR against the accused.