BJP slams Udhayanidhi Stalin’s ‘for those with faith’ Diwali greeting

Udhayanidhi Stalin

Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Diwali message, addressed to “those who have faith,” has triggered controversy, with BJP leaders alleging it discriminates against Hindus.

Stalin, son of Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin, said that many people seemed hesitant to extend Diwali greetings to him. “When I reached the stage, many gave me bouquets, books, and some didn’t know what to tell me. Some hesitated whether to wish me on Diwali or not. They thought, ‘What if he gets angry if we wish?’ I am saying Happy Diwali to those who have faith,” he said, speaking about an event.

The 47-year-old’s statements triggered criticism from the BJP, with senior leader and former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan sending Diwali wishes to both chief minister MK Stalin and deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.

“They are fundamentally Hindu, irrespective of whether they agree or not. We will not wish only those who believe. I strongly condemn Udhayanidhi’s remarks,” she said, according to a CNN-News18 report.

“When you greet people from other religions, you don’t say it is for those who believe. But when it comes to the Hindu religion, you say it’s for those who believe,” she said.

Attacking the state government, Tamil Nadu BJP spokesperson ANS Prasad said the DMK government lacks basic grace to greet Hindus during festivals.

“It’s common knowledge that the DMK is an anti-Hindu party. Once ensconced in power, they are duty-bound to treat every citizen with absolute equality. The Constitution, meticulously crafted by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, underscores this imperative with unyielding clarity. Yet, the DMK regime lacks even the basic grace to offer greetings for Hindu festivals, choosing instead to spew unrelenting vitriol exclusively against the Hindu faith,” Prasad said.

In 2023, Udhayanidhi Stalin had sparked outrage by asserting that Sanatan Dharma stands against social justice and needs to be “eradicated,” comparing it to illnesses like dengue and malaria, which drew strong reactions from the BJP.