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Udhayanidhi Stalin repeated his call for the eradication of Sanatanam in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. The remark drew fresh BJP attacks, while Assembly immunity limits the immediate legal risk.

Udhayanidhi Stalin made alleged anti-Sanatan remark, Vijay remained silent
The controversial remarks over Sanatan Dharma once again returned to Tamil Nadu’s political arena, and none other than Udhayanidhi Stalin has to be credited for it. The Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu assembly again advocated for the ‘eradication of sanatan’ through his comments inside the house, triggering reactions from multiple corners. However, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay remained silent over the comments.
“Sanathanam, which seperated people, should be eradicated,” said Stalin on the first day of the assembly session right after the 2026 state elections. His remarks mirrored his earlier comments on Sanatana Dharma, in which he equated the ancient religion with diseases like dengue and malaria, and urged people to eradicate it. The comments led to a huge legal trouble for Stalin, as several court cases were filed against him.
However, this time, it is unlikely that Stalin Jr. will face any legal consequences for the comments he made. As per Article 194 of the Indian Constitution, state legislators enjoy certain privileges and immunities inside the state assembly. It ensures freedom of speech for the state legislatures and protects members from court proceedings.
Hence, Stalin does not have a direct and immediate legal threat for his remarks. Something that the BJP’s national convenor, Amit Malviya, highlighted.
HIDING BEHIND IMMUNITY, AMIT MALVIYA JABS AT STALIN
Taking the issue to X, Malviya said that Stalin did not use the anti-Sanatan rhetoric in public, as that led to a grave electoral consequence for the DMK. He indicated that Stalin used the state assembly as a platform to ‘mock the faith of millions.’
The last time Udhayanidhi Stalin spoke about “eradicating” Sanatan Dharma, the courts called it hate speech and the people of Tamil Nadu pushed his party into the opposition.
This time, he may be hiding behind the immunity that the legislature provides him, but there are some— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) May 12, 2026
“The last time Udhayanidhi Stalin spoke about “eradicating” Sanatan Dharma, the courts called it hate speech, and the people of Tamil Nadu pushed his party into the opposition. This time, he may be hiding behind the immunity that the legislature provides him, but there are some lines that cannot be crossed without consequence. Mocking and targeting the faith of millions is not political courage; it is arrogance,” Malviya said.
He further warned Stalin of 'searing retribution' by the divine.
VIJAY WATCHED, SEVERAL BJP LEADERS REACTED
Stalin repeated his controversial remark in front of the new Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, who addressed the state assembly today. He, however, remained silent when the comments were made.
Several BJP leaders hit out at Stalin. BJP leader Vinoj P Selvam said it was not the Sanatan Dharma but the DMK that was eradicated because of such remarks by Stalin.
“Because of these speeches of yours, it was the @arivalayam which got eradicated from Tamilnadu. Sanathan Dharma and its values will live on till the last human breathes on the planet,” he wrote.

BJP leader Narayan Tirupathy also echoed the same sentiment as he said that DMK was voted out of power because of his remarks.
“Realise that it is precisely because you spoke about eradicating Sanatanam that today the people have separated you and the DMK from power and thrown you out,” Tirupathy said.

- Ends
Published By:
Akash Chatterjee
Published On:
May 12, 2026 15:17 IST
29 minutes ago
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