Despite severe criticism from the Madras High Court and condemnation from the Supreme Court regarding hate speech against Hindus by politicians in Tamil Nadu, the term “Sanatana Dharma” continues to be prominently used. In a recent controversy, Thirumavalavan, the Member of Parliament from Chidambaram and leader of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), delivered a speech that has gone viral. In the speech, he asserts that Sanatana Dharma is the only religion in the world that rejects brotherhood, claims discrimination is integral part to it, and endorses that Roman Catholic or CSI institutions can practice discrimination.

Regardless of the subject, the VCK party leader possesses a unique ability to link everything to Sanatana Dharma. On International Women’s Day (8 March 2024), a special symposium took place at Chennai Ambedkar Thital, with Thirumavalavan as the chief guest discussing “Revolutionary Ambedkar and Women’s Rights.”

During his keynote address, Thirumavalavan emphasized that Ambedkar was not just a leader for Dalits but a champion for equality, with his ultimate goal being human equality. Highlighting the significance of gender equality in the broader context of human equality, Ambedkar focused on empowering women. Thirumavalavan recounted Ambedkar’s attempt to introduce the Hindu Code Bill, which faced opposition from traditional forces, leading to Ambedkar’s resignation and his direct accusations against Jawaharlal Nehru. Ambedkar cited three reasons for his resignation: the rejection of his proposal to create a commission for OBC welfare and the failure to identifying underrepresented groups within OBC, the non-discussion of the Hindu Code Bill and Declined membership in the planning commission. Ultimately, Ambedkar resigned due to the government’s apparent neglect of these crucial issues. The Hindu Code Bill marked Dr. Ambedkar’s initial effort to promote gender equality for women.

During his speech, Thirumavalavan strongly encouraged women to actively engage in debates and advocate for themselves, highlighting the importance of women’s involvement in political roles.

Later, he asserted that discrimination against women is a widespread global phenomenon, not confined to India or the Hindu community. He emphasized that the structure of such discrimination varies based on a country’s traditional history, evolving over time. Ideology plays a pivotal role, influencing nations, religions, societies, and transforming into institutions, which, in turn, become intertwined with religion.

Continuing, he likened religion and the state to inseparable children, underscoring the influential nature of religious institutions. However, his narrative took a turn as he began promoting Christianity while denigrating Hindu ideology. He argued that the fundamental philosophy of every religion worldwide is centered on humanity and fraternity, with love and affection being universal principles. He contended that where there is love, discrimination fades, and brotherhood thrives in the absence of barriers. Despite acknowledging these principles, he blamed religious institutions for perpetuating discrimination.

Furthermore, he propagated a claim that rituals were not inherent to religion but were constructed by institutions. Supporting this assertion, he cited Buddhism, stating that Buddhism lacks principles requiring structures like vihars and priests, which he argued were institutional creations. However, this statement was inaccurate.

Subsequently, he directed criticism towards Hinduism. He said, “Take Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, or any other religion, the core fundamental philosophy of it would be fraternity i.e brotherhood. There is one religion in the world that denies brotherhood completely, they are asking do you know what is Sanatana Dharma?  Sanatana Dharma is a dharma that says there should not be brotherhood, they say that we have understood it wrongly. Today a women judge in High Court has said that Sanatana Dharma is different from rituals, yes that’s correct, as we say, rituals and principles are different, but this Sanatana Dharma’s particular principle defines hierarchy based on birth and no one can deny it.”

Thirumavalavan, MP from TN compares Sanatana Dharma & other religions. says – Sanatana dharma is only religion in world that denies brotherhood, discrimination is lifeline of Sanatana dharma. RC or CSI can have discrimination as they are institutions. How is this not hate speech? pic.twitter.com/uZWUo71QZM

— hi_there (@hi_there_2023) March 10, 2024

“The word Sanatana means permanent, that’s different, means unchanging, it is anti-physical, anti-scientific. Nothing is fixed, everything is changing, this is the law of physics, this is the dialectic rule, that is the paradox but they are… In Sanatana Dharma discrimination is its core, discrimination is the lifeline of Sanatana Dharma in no other religion discrimination will be the basic factor, No one talks about this. They ask why I did not criticize Christianity or Islam, without criticizing them why singling out us, that is because the discrimination is here only. I’m saying that in core principles, RC (Roman Catholic) can have discrimination, it’s an institution. CSI (Church Of South India) can have discrimination, it’s an institution, but there is no discrimination in Christianity that is the difference between the two,” he said.

Then he finally concluded saying that the principles of democracy, emphasizing that equal access to resources, including power, is essential. This doesn’t imply everyone becoming a Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or minister but rather emphasizes living independently. Therefore, the advocacy is for education and employment, with the explanation that Anti-Sanatana supports decentralization of democracy, ensuring equal standing for both men and women.

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