BJP Criticizes Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin for Selective Diwali Greetings and Religious Discrimination

Former Tamil Nadu Governor and BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan (File).

Chennai:

The BJP on Tuesday launched criticism against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin for not posting a 'happy Diwali' message on social media platforms. The party also condemned his son and Deputy Chief Minister, Udhayanidhi Stalin - who faced accusations in September 2023 of hate speech and calling for Hindu genocide when he stated "Sanatana Dharma should be eradicated" - for limiting his Diwali wishes to "those who have faith".

Tamilisai Soundararajan, a prominent Tamil Nadu BJP leader, expressed strong disapproval while speaking to reporters, stating she condemned the Chief Minister and his son "for wishing Diwali only to the believers." She further demanded that allies of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam - which is part of the Congress-led INDIA bloc - speak out against the party.

"I wish everyone a happy Diwali. We are not like the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister... we will wish each and every one," she declared. "I condemn the Deputy Chief Minister for wishing only the 'believers'... I strongly condemn the Chief Minister and even alliance partners, who believe in the Hindu religious ideology, should condemn their ally, the DMK..."

"This type of discrimination cannot be accepted in this country. I condemn Chief Minister and his deputy for not respecting the sentiments of the Hindu brothers and sisters..." Soundararajan added.

She further claimed that Tamil Nadu was the only state where ruling politicians did not extend wishes to the nation's Hindu majority during the festival. Soundararajan also directed her anger toward Udhayanidhi Stalin, accusing him of discriminating against Hindus: "He does not wish like that for other festivals... so why discriminate against Hindus? You (referring to his father) are the Chief Minister... so many Tamil people are celebrating and it is unpardonable that you are discriminating the Hindus..."

Earlier, Udhayanidhi Stalin had remarked that people seemed hesitant to wish him on Diwali.

Describing an event, he stated, "When I reached the stage, many gave me bouquets, books, and some didn't know what to tell me. Some hesitated whether to wish me on Diwali or not. They thought, 'What if he gets angry...' I am saying Happy Diwali to those who have faith."