BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla. File.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Udhayanidhi Stalin. File
| Photo Credit: PTI

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Tuesday (February 19, 2025) launched the distribution of cheques to the tune ₹3.75 crore to support 750 former prisoners taking up entrepreneurship.

Mr. Udhayanidhi handed over the cheques to former prisoners during an event organised in Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai by Tamil Nadu Discharged Prisoners Aid Society under the Prisons Department.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy CM recalled the initiatives undertaken by the DMK government for the betterment of prisons and towards the welfare of prisoners. “The government doesn’t consider prisons as places of punishment but as institutions for rehabilitation.”

Observing that some individuals might have received punishment over offences committed in a fit of rage or over various circumstances, Mr. Udhayanidhi said: “Let bygones by bygones. We should think that the coming days should be better.”

The Deputy CM called upon former prisoners to make use of the aid being distributed to them and make a future for themselves, keeping in mind only the interests and welfare of their family, friends, and relatives. “You should make use of this financial aid in the right way. Our government would stand by you in every way.”

Ministers S. Regupathy and P.K. Sekarbabu; Chennai Mayor R. Priya; Home Secretary Dheeraj Kumar; Director-General of Police Shankar Jiwal; Director-General of Prisons and Correctional Services Maheshwar Dayal; and senior officials were also present.

Chennai:

The battle between Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK and the BJP – over the centre’s three-language policy and the ‘imposition of Hindi’ – ramped up Tuesday after Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said “states that accept Hindi lose their mother tongue” and that his state is ready for a ‘language war’.

Mr Stalin also doubled down on Chief Minister MK Stalin’s “blackmail” swipe at Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, pointing out the state is only demanding its due, both in terms of central government funds for education and money due from devolution of taxes.

The Tamil leaders’ counterattacks followed Mr Pradhan declaring the state would not receive around Rs 2,400 crore in funds for the ongoing Samagra Siksha mission, unless it adopts the National Education policy in its entirety.

Tamil Nadu has historically had a ‘two-language’ policy, i.e., it teaches Tamil and English, and witnessed massive anti-Hindi agitations in the 1930s and 1960s.

‘Only Asking For Our Money’

“We are only asking for our tax money and our rights. We are asking for money that is rightfully ours… Dharmendra Pradhan openly threatened us that funds would be released only if we accept the three-language formula. But we are not asking for your father’s money… we aren’t begging.”

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin says, “I have come here to protest against the Union Government to save the education and language of our state. I have not participated as a Dy CM; I have participated as a DMK youth wing cadre. In the Union budget 2025, UP and… pic.twitter.com/A5Ib3bSPTy

— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2025

“We are asking for our due share. And if you (the BJP) think you can threaten us… it will never happen in Tamil Nadu,” Mr Stalin said at a DMK-led protest rally in Chennai. “The people of Tamil Nadu are watching. They will give a fitting reply at the appropriate time.”

Mr Stalin also reminded the BJP “this is a Dravidian land… the land of Periyar” and said, “The last time you tried to take away the rights of the Tamil people, they started ‘GoBackModi’. If you try again… this time the voice will be ‘Get out, Modi’… agitation will be done to send you back.”

#WATCH | Chennai: Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin says, “…We are not playing divisive politics. The Union Government, BJP is trying to force Hindi on us…Please don’t impose 3-language policy.” pic.twitter.com/k42k1KFO1X

— ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2025

The Deputy Chief Minister also warned the Tamil people against the three-language formula or accepting Hindi, saying, “Dharmendra Pradhan asks, ‘why is Tamil Nadu alone opposing this while all other states have accepted?’ There is a reason… several states that accepted Hindi stand to lose their mother tongues… Bhojpuri, Bihari, Haryanvi have nearly died because of infiltration by Hindi.”

‘Certain Conditions To Be Met’

The three-language policy is a long-standing flashpoint between southern states and the centre, and that animosity has increased since a new Education Policy was announced five years ago; as part of a proposed revamp, under the NEP students must learn three languages, one of which will be Hindi.

That flashpoint seemed evident in Mr Pradhan’s comments in Varanasi last week. He accused the Tamil Nadu government of not imposing the policy “because of political interests” and said the centre is “committed” to the policy, to which “… there are certain conditions to be met”.

However, amid Tamil Nadu fury over Mr Pradhan’s comment, his colleague, junior Parliamentary Affairs Minister L Murugan, who is from the southern state, said the Education Minister had attached no conditions to grants from the centre, and slammed the DMK for politicising this issue.

BJP’s 3-Language Campaign

The BJP, meanwhile, has stepped up its three-language push in the state, which will vote in an Assembly election next year. The saffron party will launch a campaign from March 1.

READ | BJP To Launch Campaign On 3-Language Policy In Tamil Nadu

The BJP’s push has been seen as part of its ongoing scramble for a foothold in the Tamil Nadu political landscape. The party has historically never managed to win over Tamil voters.

In 2016 it contested all 234 seats but won zero. It set its sights lower in 2021, contesting just 20, but managing to win four. Its Lok Sabha poll record is worse – zero seats in the 2019 and 2024 polls.

Ahead of the campaign launch and the 2026 election, the party’s state unit chief, K Annamalai, has also hit out at the DMK, accusing it of sticking to an “outdated” policy from the 1960s.

“The world is developing rapidly. And what is the point of imposing your outdated policy of the 1960s on the children of Tamil Nadu?” he said

With input from agencies

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Chennai:

Talks within the party had been going on for at least three months. Seniors in the DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) had initially been annoyed that the first-time MLA and son of Chief Minister MK Stalin – Udhayanidhi Stalin – had been given a ministerial berth just a few months after winning the safe Chepauk seat in 2021.

But egos were massaged and tempers calmed by Mr Stalin’s men in backroom talks with miffed seniors. Once everyone was onboard, Mr Stalin announced a cabinet reshuffle, elevating his son Udhayanidhi as the Deputy Chief Minister.

“I have been a minister and I view this as an additional responsibility. I welcome all criticism,” said Udhayanidhi Stalin outside the DMK party headquarters on Sunday.

DMK leaders told NDTV Profit on condition of anonymity that this elevation was to groom the young leader into taking over as Chief Minister when the time came. It is well known that MK Stalin is not in the prime of health. A clear succession has therefore been chalked out well in advance.

But all is not well within the DMK. Some are resigned to the dynastic leadership, while others are angry.

The seniormost leader within the ruling DMK party, Duraimurugan, 86, walked out of a press meet in Vellore in a huff barely a week ago. Reporters had questioned him as to whether Udhayanidhi Stalin would become the Deputy Chief Minister.

While Duraimurugan is the most vocal among senior leaders, others have put on a brave face and outwardly expressed support. Many leaders feel that the glass ceiling has been hit for the third generation in a row, from Mr Karunanidhi to Mr Stalin and now Udhayanidhi. The party, they feel, has become entirely dynastic in nature, and merit holds no value.

This is perhaps the biggest battle Udhayanidhi will face in the years to come – how to keep the flock together when they know they will never make it to the top.

A Controversial Deputy Chief Minister

Udhayanidhi is viewed by many party members as having been born with a silver spoon and lacking in political and administrative experience.

An actor and producer who literally controls the Tamil entertainment industry along with the stranglehold of the Marans. Udhayanidhi was associated with the production firm Red Giant but ostensibly resigned from the company once he became an MLA in 2021.

It is an open secret in Kollywood that the DMK first family controls the narrative and the funding in the Tamil film industry, second only to Bollywood.

Udhayanidhi’s repeated comments on wanting to eradicate Sanatana Dharma earned him the ire of believers and the BJP ahead of the elections. He refused to back down. The Supreme Court bench comprising justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta had even observed – “You abuse your right under Article 19(1)(a) (of the Constitution). You abuse your right under Article 25. Now you are exercising your right under Article 32 (to file plea in the Supreme Court)? Do you not know the consequences of what you said? You are not a layman. You are a minister. You should know the consequences.” This was in March.

Another party senior, TR Baalu had publicly rebuked Udhayanidhi back then. “He is not afraid of his father or of anyone. He speaks anything he feels like, thinking that he can manage it later. But I caution him to remember that it is his duty to make sure that the object he holds in his hand should not fall down and break. The entire country is scared of the DMK Youth Wing Head, wondering what he will do next,” said Baalu.

Those senior leaders who tended to criticise Udhayanidhi have been put firmly in their place. Leaked audio conversations of then Finance Minister PTR Palanivel Thiagarajan accusing Udhayanidhi and Mr Stalin’s son-in-law Sabareesan of corruption led to the former investment banker being shunted out to the IT Ministry in May 2023.

On the other hand, loyalists of Udhay have been given promotions. TRB Raaja took over the important portfolio of Industries. He is viewed as being close to the DMK scion. Similarly, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, a long-time friend of Udhay was made Minister for School Education. Another Udhay loyalist, Hasan Mohammed Jinnah, was made the State Public Prosecutor and the Director of Prosecution to the Tamil Nadu government.

Young Blood, Fresh Ideas

Udhayanidhi’s faction though believes that he will breathe new life into governance. The DMK has to fulfil promises made in its manifesto. Jobs must be created, industry must come to the state and the many welfare schemes need financial support.

It is believed that the elevation of Udhay would provide a fillip to this. It is hoped that he will bring new ideas to the table and cut red tape across the board.

What he could would need to figure out first though, is how to get much-needed funds from the Centre. Developing a rapport with an ideologically opposed party in power at the Centre is no mean feat. Mr Stalin, for all his bombast, has managed to keep a practical line to the Centre intact.

Udhay will be need to be groomed to take this forward and develop strong albeit backdoor relations with the BJP.

As for dealing with troublesome angry seniors, he could take a leaf out of Tamil superstar Rajinikanth’s book.

In August, Rajinikanth, at a book launch event said, in the presence of Chief Minister Stalin – “It is astounding how Chief Minister MK Stalin handles senior students. It is easy for teachers to handle new students. But old students are difficult. Here we have not old students or failed students, but rank holders who refuse to leave the class. DMK leader Karunanidhi has nurtured them since they were young. It is not easy to manage them. Durai Murugan was one tough person for Karunanidhi to handle,” he said, as the audience and the chief minister erupted in laughter.

A furious Duraimurugan retorted that senior actors without teeth continue to act and deny roles to younger actors.

The point though was made loud and clear. And while it may not have been in Mr Stalin’s voice, his mirth said it all.

The DMK has its next leader. It is now up to him to learn the ropes and deliver.

Chennai:

Deputy Chief Minister is not a position, but a responsibility, DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin said today, hours after his father and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced his elevation to the top post. The 46-year-old, who was earlier state minister in charge of youth welfare and sports development, has also been handed over the planning and development portfolio in the latest cabinet reshuffle.

In a post on X, Udhayanidhi Stalin said, “Realizing that ‘Deputy Chief Minister’ is not a position but a responsibility… we will work together with our fellow Ministers under the guidance of the Hon’ble Chief Minister on the path paved by Father Periyar – Perarinjar Anna – Muthamizharinjar Kalainar for the upliftment of the people of Tamil Nadu.” “Father Periyar” refers to social activist and Tamil icon Periyar, while “Kalainar” refers to veteran DMK leader and Udhayanidhi Stalin’s grandfather, late M Karunanidhi.

Following the announcement, Udhayanidhi Stalin today visited the memorial of M Karunanidhi in Chennai. He also visited Periyar’s memorial and the homes of his grandfather at Gopalapuram and CIT Colony in Chennai. In one of the photographs, his aunt and senior DMK leader K Kanimozhi is seen congratulating Udhayanidhi Stalin.

The BJP has slammed the DMK over Udhayanidhi Stalin’s elevation to the top post and said the party’s history has been marked with “years of betrayal of the people and prioritising family interests over public welfare”. “Despite being part of the alliance, DMK has denied its partners a share in power and instead appointed Udhayanidhi Stalin as Deputy Chief Minister,” a BJP spokesperson said.

An alumnus of Loyola College, Chennai, Udhayanidhi Stalin has worked in several movies as an actor and producer before an all-out foray into politics. He has led the DMK’s student wing and was among the key faces of the party’s 2021 campaign for the 2021 state polls in which it scored a thumping win. He was inducted as a minister in the MK Stalin government in 2022.

The DMK leader made national headlines last year when his remarks likening Sanatana Dharma to dengue and malaria sparked a massive row. Stressing that Sanatana Dharma is against the idea of social justice, he said at an event, “Sanatana is like malaria and dengue and so it must be eradicated and not opposed.”

The BJP claimed that the remark was a genocidal call and targeted Congress which was in alliance with the DMK.

In response, Udhayanidhi Stalin had said he never called for genocide. “Sanatana Dharma is a principle that divides people in the name of caste and religion. Uprooting Sanatana Dharma is upholding humanity and human equality. I stand firmly by every word I have spoken. I spoke on behalf of the oppressed and marginalized, who suffer due to the Sanatana Dharma.”

Chennai:

Proving twin speculations true in one go, the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government has elevated Sports Minister and Chief Minister MK Stalin’s son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, to the post of deputy chief minister and re-inducted former transport minister Senthil Balaji, two days after he got bail in a money laundering case.

Udhayanidhi Stalin, whose elevation has been spoken about for weeks, has been given charge of the Planning and Development ministry in addition to his existing Youth Welfare and Sports Development portfolio and has been designated the deputy chief minister of the state. 

It is not yet clear what portfolio will be given to Mr Balaji, who had been behind bars for 15 months after being accused of money laundering by the Enforcement Directorate for his involvement in the alleged cash-for-jobs scam that occurred during the AIADMK regime under late chief minister J Jayalalithaa. He was released on bail on Thursday by the Supreme Court, which said “stringent and higher threshold of bail and delay in prosecution cannot go together”.

As part of the cabinet reshuffle announced on Saturday, T Mano Thangaraj, Minister for Milk and Dairy Development, Gingee Masthan, Minister for Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare and K  Ramachandran, Minister for Tourism, have been dropped and three new faces, Govi Chezhiaan, R Rajendran and SM Nasar, will be inducted.

A Raj Bhavan release said Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi has approved the chief minister’s recommendations and the swearing-in ceremony will take place at 3.30 pm on Sunday.

Chennai:

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has hinted at a cabinet reshuffle on his return from the US trip to draw investments to the state. There was intense speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader would elevate his son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, as his deputy and bring in a few new faces removing a few sitting ministers before his foreign trip.

Asked by reporters if there would be a change in the council of ministers, Mr Stalin said, “Only change is unchanging. Wait and see”.

Udhayanidhi Stalin, 46, is currently Tamil Nadu’s sports and youth welfare minister. He also handles the key portfolio of special programme implementation.

Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Rise In Tamil Nadu Politics

Udhayanidhi Stalin’s elevation would be a key step in strengthening the second-rung leadership in the DMK, sources have said.

This is also being seen as a key move to counter the entry of Tamil star Vijay in the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly polls.

The junior Stalin had handled DMK’s key campaign responsibility in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, 2021 assembly polls, and this year’s Lok Sabha election, which was swept by the party in the state, raising expectations of rewards.

To avert any rebellion, the party has already rewarded sons and daughters of senior leaders and made them MLAs, ministers, and  MPs. The list includes TRB Rajaa, Thangam Thennarasu, Tamilachi Thangapandian, Kathir Anand, Kalanidhi Veerasamy, MK Kanimozhi and Dayanidhi Maran.

MK Stalin’s US Visit

MK Stalin has embarked on a 17-day trip to the US to bring investments and high-end jobs to the state.

Mr Stalin’s first stop will be Silicon Valley, where he will meet with potential investors, including CEOs of global Fortune 500 companies in San Francisco. He will also meet non-resident Tamil communities in San Francisco and Chicago.

Speaking to NDTV, Tamil Nadu Industries Minister T R B Rajaa said, “Tamil Nadu is poised for significant growth, and we expect a lot of good news from the US on investments”.

“The Chief Minister will ensure that the state gets the best. You’d be excited about the outcome,” he added.

According to sources, Mr Stalin’s special focus is on areas like artificial intelligence, research and development in tech, and attracting global capacity centers.

With a vision to turn Tamil Nadu into a one trillion dollar economy by 2030, Mr Stalin’s US tour is seen as a crucial step in realizing the state’s vision of becoming a hub for high-end jobs and global investments.

This is his fourth overseas trip as Chief Minister to draw investments. The state government claims these visits and other initiatives have resulted in investment commitments worth Rs 9.3 lakh crore over the last three years, which is expected to generate 31 lakh direct and indirect jobs.

New Delhi:

DMK leader and Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has criticised the raising of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans to mock a Pakistan cricketer during the India-Pakistan World Cup match in Ahmedabad Saturday. Mr Stalin’s remarks have drawn a sharp response from BJP leaders, with the party’s national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia calling him a “mosquito” out to “spread poison”. 

Videos of people raising the slogans as Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan walked to the dugout has sparked strong reactions. Many have said the sloganeering was against the spirit of cricket and amounted to harassing the cricketer.

Some voices, however, have pointed out to Mr Rizwan offering namaz on the field and expressing solidarity with the people in war-hit Gaza in an earlier match, alleging that it was the Pakistan cricketer who brought religion to the field.

India is renowned for its sportsmanship and hospitality. However, the treatment meted out to Pakistan players at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is unacceptable and a new low. Sports should be a unifying force between countries, fostering true brotherhood. Using it as a tool… pic.twitter.com/MJnPJsERyK

— Udhay (@Udhaystalin) October 14, 2023

Taking to X, Ms Stalin said India in known for its sportsmanship and hospitality, and the treatment of players from the neighbouring country was a “new low”.

“India is renowned for its sportsmanship and hospitality. However, the treatment meted out to Pakistan players at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is unacceptable and a new low. Sports should be a unifying force between countries, fostering true brotherhood. Using it as a tool to spread hatred is condemnable,” he posted.

Earlier, Mr Stalin had sparked a row with his remarks on Sanatana Dharma. The DMK leader, who is the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and party chief MK Stalin, had said Sanatana Dharma is against the idea of social justice and must be “eradicated”. “Sanatana is like malaria and dengue and so it must be eradicated and not opposed,” he had said in September. The comment had drawn fire from the BJP.

Responding to his latest remark, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia posted on X in Hindi, “This hateful dengue, malaria mosquito is out to spread poison again. You don’t have a problem when a match is paused for namaz on the field,” he said. “Our Lord Ram resides in every corner of the universe, so say Jai Shri Ram,” he added. 

नफ़रती डेंगू मलेरिया मच्छर फिर निकला है विष घोलने जब मैच रुकवा कर फील्ड पर नमाज़ पड़ी जाती है तो तुम्हें साँप सूँघ जाता है

सृष्टि के हर कन कन मे हमारे प्रभु श्री राम बसते है, तो बोलो जय श्री राम #IndiavsPakpic.twitter.com/Tm7Ikxbtqw

— Gaurav Bhatia गौरव भाटिया (@gauravbhatiabjp) October 15, 2023

Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale, too, has slammed raising of the slogans to heckle the Pakistani cricketer.

PM Modi desperately wants India to host the 2036 Olympics.

But if this is what BJP has reduced our audiences to – where they heckle a Pakistani player with chants of Jai Shri Ram – massive doubts remain over whether we’re qualified & sporting enough to host ANY international… pic.twitter.com/8m4BgdAOFn

— Saket Gokhale (@SaketGokhale) October 15, 2023

“PM Modi desperately wants India to host the 2036 Olympics. But if this is what BJP has reduced our audiences to – where they heckle a Pakistani player with chants of Jai Shri Ram – massive doubts remain over whether we’re qualified & sporting enough to host ANY international sporting event,” he wrote on X.

India posted a comfortable 7-wicket win against Pakistan Saturday, in its eight straight win against the neighbouring country in the World Cup.

The Pakistan team’s visit to the World Cup and the grand welcome it has received in Hyderabad and Ahmedabad has drawn mixed responses. Many cricket fans have said political differences should not be allowed to ruin the game. Others have pointed to Pakistan’s role in cross-border terrorism and questioned how normal sports relations can be maintained despite tension on the borders.

Chennai:

Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Saturday announced giving financial assistance of Rs 7,500 to civil service aspirants as a stipend.

Speaking at the event, the Minister for for Youth Welfare and Sports Development said, “Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Indian Bank service, Railways job, our Dravidian model’s aim is to get those jobs. Karunanidhi wanted first-family graduate students. Periyar Anna and Karunanidhi worked for the upliftment of youths. In the same way, our Chief Minister (MK) Stalin is also working.”

“Our Naan Mudhalvan scheme is a great one from which 13 lakh students benefited and 1.5 lakh students got jobs. Youths should get central Government jobs. This Naan Mudhalvan scheme will help fulfil the dream of youths,” he added.

The minister said that there are many facilities in Tamil Nadu provided by the state government but the participation of youths from the state has decreased.

“There are many facilities in Tamil Nadu provided by the state government but the pass percentage of our state youths in UPSC exams is very low which is shocking. Once there was 10 percent of TN youths in central government jobs but after 2016, now it has decreased to just 5 percent. That’s why we started training centres for the youths on UPSC aspirants and now we distribute financial assistance to those. Through this we are going to give Rs 7,500 to 1,000 students for 10 months,” Udhayanidhi Stalin said.
 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear a plea seeking registration of an FIR against Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and others over his “eradicate Sanatan Dharma” remark, which the petitioner likened to hate speech.

A bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Bela M Trivedi issued notices on the petition filed by Chennai-based lawyer B Jagannath who said the Supreme Court has passed several directions, including for registration of FIR, in similar cases.

Senior advocate Dama Seshadri Naidu, appearing for the petitioner, alleged Mr Stalin asked school students to say Sanatan Dharma was not good while other religions were.

“I would understand if an individual rants against a particular community or faith of a group of people. But it causes concern when the State unleashes its machinery,” the lawyer said.

Udhayanidhi, also a well-known film actor, is the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and ruling DMK chief M K Stalin.

When the bench asked him why did he not approach the Madras High Court with the petition, Mr Naidu said, “This court has taken note of similar matters where individuals make such a statement against another’s faith but in this case it is a minister making the statement. Here it is the State which is telling the school students that so and so religion is wrong.” 

Mr Naidu claimed circulars have been issued asking students to speak against a particular faith. He said the question is whether a constitutional authority can make such speeches.

“These are impermissible. A batch of petitions has already been admitted and I should not be asked to go to the high court now. The court has issued interim directions earlier when it came to individuals. Here, I am concerned with the State. I was compelled to approach the court as he is a minister, and when we went to register FIR, no one registered it,” the lawyer said.

Responding to a query by the bench, the senior lawyer said he is seeking a restraining order against Udhayanidhi Stalin to prevent him from making any such statement in the future, and registration of an FIR. He said the petitioner also wanted students to be kept out of the controversy.

“Although we are issuing notice, you are turning the Supreme Court into a police station by approaching it for registration of FIR. You should have gone to the high court,” the bench told the lawyer.

Mr Naidu sought tagging of the plea with the pending petitions related to hate speeches, a prayer which the court disallowed.

In his plea filed through advocate G Balaji, the petitioner has sought direction to the Tamil Nadu police chief to immediately register a First Information Report (FIR) against the organisers of the conclave and those who allegedly made “hate speeches” there including ministers Udhayanidhi Stalin, PK Sekar Babu and others.

The petitioner has also urged the court to declare as unconstitutional the participation of the state ministers in the event titled ‘Sanatana Dharma Eradication’ conference in Chennai on September 2, 2023.

He has sought a direction from the court to the higher education department of the Tamil Nadu government to ban holding of events against ‘Hindu Dharma’ at all secondary schools.

The petition said it would have been a welcome step if the conference was called to eradicate casteism and other ills plaguing a religion. It deplored that no FIR has been filed against Udhayanidhi Stalin, Sekar Babu or the organisers of the event despite the uproar caused by the remarks of the youth welfare and sports development minister which shows “bias, favouritism and discrimination”. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)