Udhayanidhi Stalin's Controversial "For Those With Faith" Diwali Greeting Sparks Political Tension With BJP

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has ignited controversy with his Diwali greetings specifically directed at "those who have faith," prompting immediate backlash from BJP leaders who accuse him of discriminating against Hindus.

During a public event, Stalin mentioned that people appeared hesitant to wish him for Diwali. He elaborated, "When I reached the stage, many presented me with bouquets and books, while some seemed uncertain about what to say. Several hesitated whether to wish me for Diwali, perhaps fearing I might be displeased. I am extending Happy Diwali wishes to those who have faith."

The 47-year-old DMK leader's comments elicited strong criticism from BJP officials. Former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan responded by extending Diwali greetings to both Chief Minister MK Stalin and his son Udhayanidhi, stating, "They are fundamentally Hindu, regardless of whether they acknowledge it. We don't limit our wishes only to believers. I strongly condemn Udhayanidhi's remarks."

Soundararajan further criticized the selective nature of the greeting, noting, "When extending greetings to people of other religions, you don't specify it's only for believers. But when it concerns Hindu festivals, you make this distinction."

Tamil Nadu BJP spokesperson ANS Prasad accused the DMK government of lacking "basic grace" toward Hindu festivals. "It's widely recognized that DMK maintains anti-Hindu positions. Once in power, they have a constitutional obligation to treat all citizens equally. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's Constitution clearly emphasizes this principle. Yet the DMK administration fails to offer even simple greetings for Hindu festivals, instead directing hostility specifically toward the Hindu faith."

This incident follows a previous controversy from 2023 when Udhayanidhi Stalin stated that Sanatan Dharma opposes social justice and "must be eradicated," comparing it to diseases like dengue and malaria—comments that prompted significant outcry from BJP leaders.