Udhayanidhi Stalin Advocates Against Sanatanism in Tamil Nadu Assembly
In a recent address to the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Udhayanidhi Stalin, the opposition leader and DMK MLA, called for the eradication of Sanatanism, which he claims has divided people. He emphasized the importance of political courtesy and collaboration among all members for the state's development. Stalin also raised concerns about the playing of the Tamil Nadu state anthem and urged the Chief Minister to consider the DMK's governance advice. The session also saw the unanimous election of JCD Prabhakar as the new Speaker of the Assembly, marking a significant moment in Tamil Nadu's political landscape.
May 12, 2026, 12:12 IST
Opposition Leader Calls for Eradication of Sanatanism
On Tuesday, Udhayanidhi Stalin, the leader of the opposition and DMK MLA, reignited the anti-Sanatanism sentiment during his address in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. He reiterated the demand for its abolition, stating that Sanatanism has caused division among people and should be eliminated. He also mentioned that the Chief Minister received good wishes from our leader and several others, emphasizing that such political courtesy should continue within the assembly. Despite sitting in different rows as the ruling and opposition parties, all members should collaborate for the development of Tamil Nadu.
Concerns Over State Anthem
Udhayanidhi expressed concerns raised by opposition parties regarding the playing of the Tamil Nadu state anthem after 'Vande Mataram.' He pointed out that 'Vande Mataram' was not played during the oath-taking ceremony of the Chief Minister of West Bengal, while it was played in Tamil Nadu. He stressed that the state anthem should never be placed second. He also mentioned that he and the Chief Minister studied at the same college and expressed a desire to share their experiences and knowledge, urging the Chief Minister to consider their suggestions.
DMK's Administrative Legacy
Referencing the extensive administrative legacy of the DMK, Udhayanidhi urged Chief Minister Joseph Vijay to consider the party's advice on governance matters. On the same day, JCD Prabhakar, a member of the Tamilaga Vetrikazhagam (TVK), was unanimously elected as the Speaker of the State Assembly. The assembly session was convened for this election, where the acting Speaker, M.V. Karuppiah, announced that Prabhakar was proposed by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and was elected unanimously with no other nominations. Following this election, Karuppiah declared the end of his term as acting Speaker and invited the leader of the house, K.A. Sengottaiyan, and opposition leader Udhayanidhi Stalin to escort the newly elected Speaker to his chair.