I am not against people visiting temples, but against discrimination: Udhayanidhi Stalin

Stalin’s absurd clarification after nationwide criticism over his statement about eliminating Sanatan

Chennai – “My statement is being misinterpreted. I am not against people going to temples, but only against the discrimination based on caste that takes place there. That ideology should be eradicated,” DMK leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of the State, Udhayanidhi Stalin, said regarding his statement made in the Assembly that Sanatan which promotes discrimination should be eradicated. He had faced criticism from across the country over this statement.

🚨 After facing nationwide backlash over his remarks on “eradicating Sanatan,” Udayanidhi Stalin now claims:
"I am not against people visiting temples, but against discrimination!"

If a similar statement had been made about eradicating Islam or Christianity, would he still have… https://t.co/IOL9Hbwl8w pic.twitter.com/f6Xeh2ZNTa

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) May 15, 2026

Udhayanidhi posted on X,

1. When I said in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly that ‘Sanatan which divides people should come to an end’, some people are criticising me; however, I will not be afraid of such criticism.

2. The Dravidian movement has always progressed through opposition; therefore, I only wish to clarify one small point. When I say that ‘Sanatan should come to an end’, it does not mean that people should stop going to temples. It means that not only in temples, but in society as well, all people should receive equal rights. I am speaking about ending the ideology that divides people into higher and lower castes. I am expressing the same thoughts discussed by Periyar, Ambedkar, Anna and Karunanidhi. We are not against anyone’s faith in God; however, we strongly oppose inequality and exploitation.”