Chennai: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu has taken a significant step by formally requesting Governor R.N Ravi’s permission to pursue criminal proceedings against Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development, Udayanidhi Stalin. The move comes in response to remarks made by the minister that were perceived as insulting to Hindu Sanatana Dharma, prompting allegations of incitement and creating intentional religious provocation.
In a letter addressed to the Governor, A. Ashvathaman the State Secretary of BJP, wrote, “We request permission to take criminal proceedings against Tamil Nadu Youth Welfare and Sports Development Minister Udayanidhi Stalin for his remarks insulting Hindu Sanatana Dharma.”
— A.Ashvathaman (@asuvathaman) September 4, 2023
The controversy erupted following Udayanidhi Stalin’s speech, in which he compared Sanatana Dharma to various diseases, including dengue, corona, and malaria, while advocating for its eradication. These comments were viewed as deeply offensive by many, and accusations arose that they were made with the intent of hurting Hindu sentiments and provoking discord.
Ashvathaman elaborating on the concerns surrounding the minister’s remarks, stated, “His speech is fueling enmity between groups in the name of religion.”
The BJP asserts that Udayanidhi Stalin’s statements fall under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Sections 153, 153A, 295, 295(a), 296, 298, 499, 504, and 505, which pertain to promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, making statements with the intent to incite, and committing offenses that are defamatory and offensive in nature.
As a result, the BJP maintains that formal sanction or permission, as outlined in CrPC 197, is necessary to initiate criminal proceedings against Udayanidhi Stalin. This step marks a significant development in a controversy that has sparked outrage and debate in the region.
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