DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan comments raised concerns, as he seemed to dismiss the significance of Bhagwan Ram and the cultural values associated with him. He stated that Bhagwan Ram’s birth was a mere myth and a story from the Ramayana, categorising it as literature rather than history.
Elangovan also took the opportunity to accuse the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using Bhagwan Ram for political gain. He claimed that the BJP was replacing history with mythology for political gains and also questioned their true intention.
The controversy unfolded shortly after the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. PM Modi confirmed the invitation and expressed his willingness to participate in the Pran Pratistha ceremony at the temple.
https:/twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1717183441580802330?s=20
It’s worth noting that the DMK is part of the I.N.D.I Alliance, which includes several political parties such as the Congress, AAP, Samajwadi Party, and Trinamool Congress (TMC), among others.
BJP’s Response to Elangovan’s comments
In response to TKS Elangovan’s comments, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra criticised the DMK leader’s stance as “anti-Hindu” and a disregard for India’s rich cultural heritage. Patra emphasised that Bhagwan Ram holds significant importance for millions of people and that Elangovan’s comments displayed a lack of appreciation for India’s cultural diversity.
https:/twitter.com/sambitswaraj/status/1717443455025311744?s=20
The controversy surrounding Elangovan’s comments has further ignited debates about the intersection of religion and politics in India, particularly in the context of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.
Recent remarks by DMK leaders have stirred controversy and raised questions about the party’s stance on Hinduism and Sanatan Dharma. In response to a post by an X user quoting an ANI article, a user defended DMK by claiming that the party is “Dharmic” and that they uphold certain religious practises. However, this sentiment was challenged by historical instances of DMK leaders making inflammatory statements.
Udhayanidhi Stalin And Other DMK Leader’s Controversial Remarks
In September of the same year, Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Sports and Youth Welfare Minister of DMK and the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, made a contentious statement, likening Sanatan Dharma to “malaria” and suggesting it should be eradicated like dengue. This comment, along with similar derogatory remarks made by other DMK leaders, fueled criticisms of the party’s approach to Hinduism and its religious beliefs.
In January, the Tamil Nadu Assembly witnessed a heated exchange when a Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) MLA referred to the Ramayana as an “imaginary epic.” Both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) demanded that such remarks be expunged from the records. The controversy highlighted ongoing disputes surrounding the historical and cultural significance of the Ramayana in the state.
In September 2022, DMK Member of Parliament A. Raja made derogatory comments about Hindus and their faith, including an offensive reference to Shudras. TKS Elangovan, another DMK leader, defended A. Raja’s controversial remarks, attributing them to the negative impact of Hinduism in Tamil Nadu. Elangovan argued that the Dravidian Movement’s objective is to promote equality among individuals and criticised Hinduism for its caste-based Varna system and Manu Dharma. He contended that the entry of Sanskrit and Hinduism into the region had detrimental consequences.
These incidents have raised concerns and prompted discussions about the party’s approach to Hinduism and its influence on the cultural and religious landscape of Tamil Nadu. The DMK’s statements and their impact on the region’s social fabric continue to be subjects of debate and controversy.
