In yet another blatant display of biased against Sanatan Dharma, DMK leader A Raja has once again launched tirade against Hindu culture, which reeks of Hinduphobia. In a widely circulated video, A Raja was seen instructing party members to remove Hindu religious marks while wearing the DMK’s signature dhoti, a move that reeks of anti-Hindu sentiment and intolerance.
A Raja, a Lok Sabha MP from Nilgiris and the general secretary of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), justified his stance by stating that distinguishing DMK members from “Sanghis” was necessary. His words, however, clearly undermine Hindu religious symbols.
“When you keep a ‘pottu’ (bindi/tilak) and a Sanghi keeps a pottu, and when you both clap, we don’t know who is who. That is why I’m saying, pray to God if you wish. If your parents keep holy ash on your forehead, keep it. But once you wear DMK dhoti, remove it,” Raja was quoted saying in India Today report.
This brazen directive exposes the deep-seated Hinduphobia within the DMK, a party that has often targeted Hindu customs under the garb of rationalism.
While Raja attempted to portray himself as tolerant by stating, “If we need God, we can have one… We are not against the God who represents love, kindness among people, the one who resides in an innocent heart, or the God seen in the smile of the poor,” but his selective opposition to Hindu symbols tells a different story.
This is not the first time Raja has made inflammatory remarks against Hinduism. Previously, he went so far as to call Hinduism a menace, stating, “Hindu religion is a menace, not only to India but to the world.” He had also backed controversial DMK leader Udhyanidhi Stalin when he likened Sanatan Dharma with dengue and malaria. Coming out in his defence, A Raja, who earned infamy for the ‘2G scam’, fumed arguing that Udhayanidhi Stalin was soft adding that Sanatana Dharma like HIV, leprosy.
Such an outrageous statement from a sitting MP exposes his animosity towards one of the world’s oldest religions, one that has flourished on the principles of peace and inclusivity.
DMK’s history is riddled with anti-Hindu rhetoric, and Raja’s latest statement is only a continuation of the party’s longstanding tradition of targeting Hindu culture. Time and again, the party has sought to alienate Hindus under the guise of social justice, while carefully avoiding criticism of other religions. This selective bigotry is both dangerous and hypocritical.
Raja’s remarks reflect a disturbing trend in Indian politics, where certain leaders demonize Hindu beliefs while preaching about secularism. His words not only offend millions of Hindus but also expose the DMK’s systematic attempt to erase Hindu identity from public life. If secularism means respecting all religions, why does Raja find it necessary to single out Hindu traditions for erasure?
This open attack on Hindu customs is a wake-up call for those who believe in religious harmony. Raja’s statements deserve outright condemnation, and the DMK must be held accountable for perpetuating such divisive and hateful rhetoric. Hindus in Tamil Nadu and across India must take note of this growing intolerance and respond to such blatant discrimination with unity and strength.
