Chennai: DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin has clarified his controversial remarks on “Sanatan Dharma”, saying his comments were aimed at abolishing caste-based discrimination and not religious practice.

Udhayanidhi, who reignited debate after reiterating his earlier position during his maiden speech as Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, said his statement had been misinterpreted by critics. He maintained that his call was directed at ending a social system that divides people into “upper and lower castes”.

“When I spoke in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, I said the caste system that divides people must be abolished. Some people criticise me for this. I am not a person who is afraid. The Dravidian movement emerged out of opposition. In that sense, I would like to give a small explanation,” he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

He further clarified that abolishing caste hierarchy does not oppose religious practice. “When I say that the caste system should be abolished, it does not mean that no one should go to the temple. It means that everyone should have equal rights, not only in the temple, but also in society,” he stated.

ALSO WATCH | CM Vijay recalls British parliament traditions during Tamil Nadu assembly session

Udhayanidhi also said his remarks were rooted in the ideological traditions of reformers such as Periyar, B R Ambedkar, C N Annadurai and M Karunanidhi, emphasising that the DMK remains opposed to inequality and oppression, not faith.

“We are not against anyone’s belief in God. But we will strongly oppose inequality and oppression,” he added.

His latest comments come after his renewed criticism of “Sanatan Dharma” during his maiden address as Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, where he had again called for its “eradication”, triggering political backlash and renewed controversy over remarks he first made in 2023.