Senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda addressed the recent controversy surrounding remarks made against Sanatana Dharma, emphasizing that those comments were expressed in a personal capacity.
Hooda's response came from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's accusation that the opposition coalition INDIA was attempting to undermine Sanatana Dharma by conducting meetings. The Prime Minister also singled out Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader Udhayanidhi Stalin and other opposition figures for their contentious comments regarding Sanatana Dharma.
Hooda came to the defence of the INDIA bloc and clarified, "The statements in question were made as personal expressions. They do not reflect the stance of the INDIA bloc."
He further asserted, "During the struggle for Independence, all of India's religions stood united. They rallied together under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi to oppose British rule. In this context, we hold all religions in equal regard and respect."
The controversy erupted earlier this month when Udhayanidhi, the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, made unfavourable comparisons between Sanatana Dharma and "malaria" and "dengue," while advocating for its elimination. Udhayanidhi argued that Sanatana Dharma was built upon the caste system and discrimination. This statement triggered widespread criticism, resulting in numerous complaints and the filing of FIRs against him and other leaders of the INDIA bloc.
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