Nirmala Sitharaman’s Strong Words Against Alleged Bias In INDIA Bloc

New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched a sharp critique today, accusing the DMK and the opposition alliance INDIA of being against Hindus and ‘Sanatan Dharma’. This came in response to provocative comments by DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin, who had blamed Sanatan Dharma for promoting division and discrimination among people and called for its eradication. Sitharaman also directly targeted the Congress, claiming that the party supports groups seeking to “break India,” despite the Congress distancing itself from Stalin’s remarks.

Sitharaman stated, “The minister openly said it’s a protest not against Sanatana Dharma, but to eradicate Sanatana Dharma,” and alleged that no constituent of the INDIA bloc has condemned these remarks.

In an interview with media, she accused the DMK of having a longstanding policy against Sanatana Dharma, and she claimed to have witnessed it personally. She emphasized that the people of Tamil Nadu have suffered from this policy, which has now become more accessible to the rest of the country due to social media.

Referring to Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks as a “mockery of the constitution,” she alleged that he knowingly made these controversial comments, violating his oath of public office.

Stalin’s comment, “Sanatana (Dharma) ought to be eradicated like malaria, dengue, and mosquitoes and not opposed,” had drawn strong backlash from the BJP and its allies. DMK leader A Raja had also reportedly likened ‘Sanatan Dharma’ to diseases like AIDS and leprosy with social stigma attached to them.

The Congress, however, disapproved of Udhayanidhi Stalin and A Raja’s remarks, asserting its belief in “sarvadharma sambhav” (equal respect for all religions).

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief MK Stalin clarified that his son had spoken against the “inhuman principles preached by Sanatan… that discriminate against Scheduled Castes, tribes, and women,” without intending to offend any religion or religious beliefs.

Regarding the G20 and the Delhi Declaration, Sitharaman, in an exclusive interview with Media, highlighted that the G20, as a financial forum, has collectively addressed issues such as crypto assets, global debt, and the need for reform in the Bretton Woods Institutions (IMF and World Bank). She expressed satisfaction with the Delhi Declaration and stressed the finance track’s substantial contribution to the G20. Sitharaman emphasized that multilateral institutions require reform, and on the issue of regulating crypto assets, she called for collective international efforts rather than isolated attempts.

Sitharaman also hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the voice of the global south within the G20, highlighting the challenges faced by middle-income countries with debt and the need for addressing these issues at the international level.