Udhayanidhi Stalin's Diwali Wish To 'Those With Faith' Sparks Row; BJP Slams Him For Lacking 'Grace'

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin sparked a controversy after extending Diwali wishes only to "those who have faith", drawing sharp criticism from the opposition parties, especially the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). While speaking at an event, Stalin stated that people were afraid and hesitant of wishing him on Diwali; however, he extended his wishes, but only to those with faith. Stalin, son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and DMK chief MK Stalin, has been under the scanner from the right-wing outfits several times due to his alleged controversial remarks.

"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 if we wish?' I am saying Happy Diwali to those who have faith," Stalin stated while addressing the event. However, senior BJP leader Tamilisai Soudararajan stated that Stalin family is "fundamentally Hindu", adding that the DMK leaders show a different approach while wishing Hindu and other religions.

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"They are fundamentally Hindu, irrespective of whether they agree or not. We will not wish only those who believe. I strongly condemn Udhayanidhi's remarks," Soudararajan told reporters. "When you greet people from other religions, you don't say it is for those who believe. But when it comes to the Hindu religion, you say it's for those who believe," she added. Apart from this, BJP spokesperson ANS Prasad slammed the DMK leaders for lacking "basic grace" while wishing the Hindus.

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"It's common knowledge that the DMK is an anti-Hindu party. Once ensconced in power, they are duty-bound to treat every citizen with absolute equality. The Constitution, meticulously crafted by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, underscores this imperative with unyielding clarity. Yet, the DMK regime lacks even the basic grace to offer greetings for Hindu festivals, choosing instead to spew unrelenting vitriol exclusively against the Hindu faith," Prasad stated.