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Udhayanidhi expressing Diwali wishes came as a surprise since DMK leaders have faced criticism in the past for extending wishes to festivals like Pongal and festivals observed by other religions.
Udhayanidhi Stalin addressing a meeting organised by Chennai’s east district unit of the DMK to honour senior members of the party. (Image: X/ @Udhaystalin)
In a rare event, Tamil Nadu deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin had extended Diwali wishes to those “who have faith”, remarks that drew sarcastic response from the BJP.
While addressing a meeting organised by Chennai’s east district unit of the DMK to honour senior members of the party on Saturday, Udhayanidhi, in a rare departure from the DMK’s traditions, greeted Diwali wishes to those who “believe” and “celebrate”. He wished for Deepavali along with extending wishes to all the cadres on the party’s platinum jubilee year celebrations, news agency PTI reported.
“I extend my greetings on our (DMK) platinum jubilee celebrations; Deepa oli thirunaal greetings to those having belief and celebrating it,” he said.
Deepa oli thirunaal roughly means the day of the light of lamp.
Meanwhile, reacting to the gesture, Tamil Nadu BJP leader Narayanan Thirupathi took a swipe at Udhayanidhi and said, “for those who don’t have belief, greetings to live like Narakasura.”
‘நம்பிக்கை உள்ளவர்களுக்கு தீப ஒளி திருநாள் வாழ்த்துகள்” – உதயநிதி ஸ்டாலின்.நம்பிக்கை இல்லாதவரகளுக்கு நரகாசுரனை போல வாழ வாழ்த்துகள்.
நாராயணன் திருப்பதி.
— Narayanan Thirupathy (@narayanantbjp) October 26, 2024
Udhayanidhi expressing Diwali wishes came as a surprise since DMK leaders have faced criticism in the past for extending wishes to festivals like Pongal and festivals observed by other religions but not the Hindu festival like Deepavali and Vinayaka Chathurthi.
DMK leaders including its late president and former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi have not greeted people on Diwali, in line with their rationalistic beliefs.
While Diwali in the north India signifies the return of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita to Ayodhya from 14-year exile; in the South, the festival marks the victory of Lord Krishna and his wife Sathyabhama over the demon king Narakasura.
In a veiled attack on Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi, Udhayanidhi said that he is “allergic” to the very word ‘Dravidam,’ and thinks it can be finished off by not taking its name.
“Nobody can even touch Dravidam. Tamil Nadu will remain Tamil Nadu. As long as our black and red (DMK) flag and the DMK workers are there, none can even touch Tamil Nadu and Dravidam,” the deputy CM asserted.
In September 2023, the deputy chief minister had compared Sanatan Dharma to dengue and malaria, saying that it should not just be opposed but also “eradicated” like these mosquito-borne diseases. His comments had come at a ‘Sanatana Abolition Conference’, where he argued that Sanatan Dharma is against social justice and equality.
He had faced protests and severe criticism for his statement, while multiple cases were registered against him. The BJP and Hindu organisations were particularly vocal. “But, my words were twisted. Not just in Tamil Nadu, cases were filed against me in several courts across India. They asked me to apologise, but I stand by what I said. I’m the grandson of Kalaignar, and I will not apologise,” he was quoted in the report.
(With inputs from agencies)