‘Not Against Hindus, But Hindutva’: Tamil Nadu Minister’s Remark Triggers BJP Backlash

Last Updated:May 14, 2026, 20:52 IST

K Annamalai responded sharply accusing the DMK and TVK of targeting Hindu beliefs for political purposes.

Tamil Nadu minister Aadhav Arjuna has triggered a fresh political controversy with his remarks on Hindutva and Sanatan Dharma, prompting sharp reactions from BJP leaders in the state.

Responding to the ongoing debate over comments made by Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin and TVK MLA V M S Mustafa, Aadhav Arjuna said in Chennai, “TVK is against caste system, inequality, but we respect every religion equally, we aren’t against Hindus, but against Hindutva."

The remarks drew criticism from Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai, who accused the DMK and TVK of targeting Hindu beliefs for political purposes.

“Days after DMK MLA Thiru Udhayanidhi Stalin spoke about eradicating Sanathana Hindu Dharma on the floor of the legislative assembly, TVK MLA Thiru VMS Mustafa came in support of Thiru Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks. Not only is this very unfortunate but also it shows the level of hatred they harbour in their minds towards an eternal Dharma that helps us to lead a meaningful life," Annamalai wrote on X.

He further alleged that the DMK and TVK were pursuing similar political agendas.

“DMK & TVK, in their very short history, have proven to the people that they are two sides of the same coin. DMK has forgotten what their constant attack on Sanathana Hindu Dharma has brought them to. TVK will also soon remember," he said.

Annamalai also accused both parties of concealing their ideological stand during elections.

“If either DMK or TVK had the courage of conviction, they should have openly declared during their election campaigns that targeting Sanathana Hindu Dharma would be central to their politics. Instead, they hid behind secularism & theatrics, only to reveal their true intentions after seeking votes from the very people whose faith they now insult with arrogance and impunity," he said.

He added, “Please be reminded, Sanathana Hindu Dharma is not your punching bag! I sincerely hope their remarks will not go unpunished by our people."

BJP spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy also criticised Aadhav Arjuna, accusing him of insulting Hindu traditions and promoting divisive politics.

The controversy began after Udhayanidhi Stalin, during his maiden speech as Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, said, “Sanatanam that divides people must certainly be eradicated."

TVK MLA V M S Mustafa later backed the remarks, saying, “We also subscribe to the ideals of Periyar and Ambedkar. We too have entered the fray to abolish Sanatan."

After facing criticism, Mustafa clarified on X that “we are not against any religion."

News india ‘Not Against Hindus, But Hindutva’: Tamil Nadu Minister’s Remark Triggers BJP Backlash

Read More