Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on 18 December 2025 attended and addressed a Christmas celebration organised by the DMK in Madurai, where he drew parallels between the teachings of Jesus Christ and the principles of the Dravidian movement, while sharply criticising the Union government.
Speaking at the event, Udhayanidhi said he was happy to participate “not just as the Deputy CM but also as the secretary of the DMK Youth Wing,” and asserted that there was little difference between Christian values and Dravidian ideology.
“There is no huge difference between Christian principles and the Dravidian movement principles. Both emphasize showing love, humanity, and equality to others at all times,” he said.
Referring to the global significance of Christmas, Udhayanidhi said, “If there is one birthday that is celebrated by all people and countries in the world, it is the birthday of Jesus Christ. More importantly, it is not enough to just celebrate his birthday, we should also follow his ideas.”
He said the central theme of Jesus’ life was simplicity. “Because the main thing in Jesus’ life was his simplicity. Jesus is the one who, by his birth, broke the idea that leaders for the people would always be in the palace,” he said.
Drawing a comparison with Dravidian leaders, Udhayanidhi said, “Our Dravidian movement believes that even if you come from a simple background, you can rise if you work hard. Like Jesus Christ. Arignar Anna, Thanthai Periyar, and Dr Kalaignar Karunanidhi are examples of that. All of them grew up with the people and as the people.”
He said compassion was a shared value between Christianity and the Dravidian movement. “Christianity says that compassion should be present in everyone. That is what our Dravidians are also emphasizing,” he said, while alleging that the Union government was driven by hatred rather than compassion.
“But those in the Union (centre), the ones ruling the country, have more hatred than compassion. Especially towards Tamil Nadu and the people of Tamil Nadu. They spread hatred on the basis of religion, language and caste,” he alleged, adding that “their divisive scheme in Tamil Nadu will never be fulfilled.”
Udhayanidhi further accused what he described as “fascists” of attempting to divide people for political gain. “The fascist’s intention to create division among the people, incite discord, instigate riots, and somehow benefit from that violence will surely be thwarted by the people of Tamil Nadu. The people will come together to bring them down,” he said.
Highlighting the policies of the DMK government, he said Chief Minister M.K. Stalin was governing based on another principle of Jesus – sharing. “Dravidian Model government Chief Minister MK Stalin is ruling on the basis of another principle of Jesus, namely, sharing, with everyone having everything,” he said.
He accused the Union government of not sharing resources equitably. “They are extracting higher tax from TN, but are they sharing it? If you ask so, the answer is definitely no. They are giving more for other states and less for TN,” he said, adding that despite this, the Chief Minister was “doing all that is needed for the people as a service,” which, according to him, was why Tamil Nadu was “the best performing state in the country.”
Udhayanidhi reiterated the DMK’s relationship with minority communities. “The relation between the minorities and DMK is not new. The relationship between us is based on principles. DMK has always been a bastion of security for all minorities, including Christians and Muslims,” he said, adding that “especially in the past 4.5 years, our CM has brought out schemes for them.”
Listing schemes for minorities, particularly Christians, he said, “A total of seven crore rupees in educational scholarships alone have been provided to one lakh minority students, including Christians, in the last four and a half years.”
He said the annual pension for employees working in Christian churches who are members of the welfare board had been increased. “The pension amount… which was 12,000 rupees annually, has been increased to 15,000 rupees by our Chief Minister,” he said.
He added that death assistance for families of board members had been enhanced. “The assistance provided to the families of board members who die of natural causes, which was 20,000 rupees, has been increased to 30,000 rupees by the Chief Minister, accepting your request.”
Udhayanidhi said students from families of board members were receiving an educational scholarship of ₹1,000 per month, and that permanent recognition had been granted to all minority educational institutions, including Christian institutions.
He also said the government was providing financial support for pilgrimages. “A subsidy of 37,000 rupees is provided to Christian people for undertaking a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Similarly, 60,000 rupees is being provided to nuns,” he said.
According to him, 44 churches were being renovated at an estimated cost of around ₹3 crore. “Today, on this stage, and last year in Coimbatore, several requests were made, and our government is fulfilling them one by one,” he said.
Assuring the gathering that their demands would continue to be addressed, Udhayanidhi said, “Today, you have made several requests on this stage as well. I assure you that I will fulfill these requests and confidently meet you all again at this same Christmas celebration next year.”
He said the Dravidian model government would “always be a strong support for the minority communities,” and expressed confidence that minorities would continue to support the government.
Extending greetings across religious festivals, he said, “I have come here today to celebrate Christmas and share Christmas greetings with you all. Similarly, when Ramadan arrives, you and I will meet our Muslim brothers and exchange our greetings. With the feeling of being Tamils, we will all celebrate the Pongal festival together.”
Describing Tamil Nadu’s identity, he said, “This is Tamil Nadu, this is the unity of the people of Tamil Nadu. This brotherhood, equality, social justice, and secularism are the hallmarks of our Tamil Nadu.”
In his concluding remarks, Udhayanidhi called on Christians to reject divisive narratives. “Therefore, I request all the Christian people who have gathered here to reject hate campaigns, avoid false propaganda, and set aside divisive ideologies. All of us Tamil people must unite as one,” he said.
Referring to the 2026 Assembly elections, he added, “In the 2026 assembly elections, we must defeat the anti-minority fascists and their henchmen all at once. Let us all take this pledge at this time during this Christmas celebration.”
Every year during Christmas, Udhayanidhi Stalin makes such statements – in 2022, he said he was proud to be a Christian and had married one. In 2023, he again made the same claim that he was a proud Christian. He reiterated that statement once again in 2024.
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