PM’s ‘INDI alliance’ jab at Opposition, says they want to finish Sanatana Dharma

NEW DELHI,SEPT 14 : In a blistering attack on the Opposition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the Opposition INDIA bloc posed a threat to ‘Sanatana Dharma’, and by extension, to the country’s culture and citizens.

‘Sanatana Dharma’ was catapulted to headlines following Tamil Nadu minister and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin’s controversial remarks. The 45-year-old called for “eradicating Sanatana Dharma”.

Days after his statement, PM Modi told his council of ministers that the DMK leader’s remarks needed a “proper response”.

Addressing a public rally in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district, PM Modi referred to the Opposition bloc as “INDI alliance” instead of INDIA and also termed it ‘ghamandia’ alliance which, he said, was bent on destroying the ‘Sanatana Dharma’.

“A few groups are working to divide the country and society… They have come together to form an INDI alliance.

They have also decided on a hidden agenda to attack India’s culture. The INDI alliance has come with a resolution to end ‘Sanatan’ culture,” he said.

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The Prime Minister criticised the INDIA alliance for their alleged intent to destroy the Sanatana tradition, which he claimed has been a source of inspiration for many.

He said that the call for the “eradication of Sanatana Dharma” has crossed a line and should not go unchallenged.

“Today, they have openly started targeting Sanatana, tomorrow they will increase the attacks on us. All ‘Sanatanis’ across the country and the people who love our country will have to be alert. We will have to stop such people,” he added.

Earlier this month, DMK leader and Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin likened Sanatana Dharma to malaria and dengue.

 Latching on to it, the BJP has been targeting the INDIA alliance, a group of 28 opposition parties.

Adding fuel to the raging debate, the DMK’s Lok Sabha MP and former Union minister A Raja likened it to diseases like leprosy and HIV.

The remarks have prompted the BJP to accuse opposition leaders of suffering from “deep-rooted Hinduphobia”.

On Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that Sanatana Dharma is the “Rashtriya” (national) religion” of Bharat which cannot be erased by those who live for power.

“It is unfortunate that even today many people living in Bharat are humiliating Sanatana Dharma.

They do not miss any opportunity to attack Indian values, ideals and principles,” Adityanath said.

As the controversy continues to rage, a case was registered against Udhayanidhi Stalin in Maharashtra’s Thane following a complaint over his remarks on Sanatana Dharma.

 The complainant claimed that Stalin’s remarks hurt the sentiments and religious feelings of those who follow Sanatana Dharma.

-PTI