• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

The Tamil Nadu BJP unit has strongly criticised actor-politician Kamal Haasan, demanding an unconditional apology for his comments on Sanatana Dharma.

During an event commemorating 15 years of actor Suriya's Agaram Foundation on Sunday, Haasan stated that only education can break the chains of dictatorship and Sanatana.

ALSO READ: Maareesan FIRST Review: Fahadh Faasil And Vadivelu’s Combo Gets A Thumbs Up,  Netizen Says 'Engaging Watch'

According to the NDTV report, BJP spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy sharply condemned the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) leader, saying, "Kamal Haasan has been corrupted by money and power. He has forgotten his family's Sanatana heritage. His remarks are not only an attack on Sanatana Dharma but also against India and its majority population. He must apologise."

Haasan’s remarks were made in the context of his criticism of the NEET exam, which he argued has prevented many deserving students from poor and rural Tamil Nadu from accessing education, particularly in the medical field.

"Since 2017, this law has denied education to so many children. Even the Agaram Foundation can't do anything about it. Only education can give the strength to change the law. Education is the only weapon that can crush the chains of dictatorship and Sanatan. Don't take anything else in your hands-majoritarian idiots will defeat you," said Haasan.

Political parties in Tamil Nadu, including the BJP’s ally AIADMK, oppose NEET, arguing that it favors affluent students who can afford private coaching and deprives top-scoring poor students, especially those from rural areas without access to such resources- of opportunities.

For nearly a decade, Tamil Nadu has eliminated all forms of entrance exams for medical admissions, instead basing admission solely on class XII exam results.

In Tamil Nadu, Sanatana Dharma is often associated with caste-based discrimination, including centuries of untouchability, which has denied oppressed communities access to education and other opportunities.

Kamal Haasan’s remarks drew comparisons to a 2023 controversy involving Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who had likened Sanatana Dharma to regressive caste discrimination and called for its eradication, comparing it to mosquitoes that spread dengue and malaria. Multiple FIRs were filed at the time, though the Supreme Court later stayed further proceedings.

ALSO READ: 'She Was Another Mother To Me': Kamal Haasan Pays Emotional Tribute To Saroja Devi Following Her Demise

During the UPA government, President Kalam had approved exempting Tamil Nadu from NEET, a move the BJP would not support now. However, the saffron party insists that NEET promotes transparency, meritocracy, and prevents the auctioning of medical seats.