In a wave of public condemnation, the recent remarks made by Udayanidhi Stalin, the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, about eradicating Sanatana Dharma have ignited a backlash that extends to businesses associated with the family. The controversy has led to a boycott campaign, with individuals expressing their displeasure by removing Sun Direct advertisement banners from their shops and even further.
The controversy erupted when Udayanidhi Stalin reportedly made disparaging comments about Sanatana Dharma, leading many to express their outrage and disappointment. The response to these comments has taken various forms, including symbolic acts of protest.
Calls for Boycott Of Karunanidhi Family-Owned Businesses
One video circulating on social media from Karnataka features a shop owner, a Sanatana Hindu, removing all Sun Direct advertisement banners from the walls of his shop.
வட மாநிலங்களில் மற்றும் ஆந்திரா கர்நாடக மாநிலங்களில் அடித்து நொறுக்கப்படும் சன் டைரக்ட்
நேற்று ஆந்திரா இன்று கர்நாடகா 💥 pic.twitter.com/vRWcH4sGoH
— ஷிபின் Shibin (@Shibin_twitz) September 5, 2023
This symbolic act of protest serves as a demonstration of condemnation for Udayanidhi Stalin’s remarks. The voice-over says, “This video is a warning to Udhayanidhi Stalin. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s son Udhayanidhi Stalin has said derogatory words against Sanatana Dharma. In showing our condemnation for that, this Sanatani Hindu is removing all the Sun Direct advertisement banners that are on his shop walls. Jai Shri Ram Bharat Mata Ki Jai”.
In another video originating from one of the Telugu states, a Hindu individual can be seen damaging a “dish” device used for Sun Direct Network’s DTH service. The video is accompanied by a caption that says, “Udhayanidhi Stalin, who spoke about eradicating Sanatana Dharma, his family-run business Sun Direct Network DTH should not be in our house.”
Beyond symbolic actions, some netizens have questioned whether Hindus should take steps to boycott businesses connected to the Stalin/Karunanidhi family.
It's not just about voting against the DMK. How many Hindus outraging here will remove Sun cable connection? How many will unsubscribe from Sunnxt ott? How many will stop watching movies produced by them?
Zero.Doob maro Hinduon. You bring about your own downfall.
— H.Y.D.R.A (@hailhydra_01) September 3, 2023
These businesses include Red Giant Movies, owned by Udayanidhi himself, as well as Kalaignar TV, co-owned by Dayalu (Karunanidhi’s wife) and Kanimozhi (his daughter). Additionally, Rajathi Ammal and Kanimozhi are associated with Westgate Logistics Pvt Ltd.
Expansive Business Network
The Karunanidhi family’s business interests extend to various sectors, involving Udayanidhi’s cousin, Kalanithi Maran, who oversees the Sun Group. This conglomerate encompasses entities such as Sun Pictures, Sun Direct (DTH), Sumangali Cable Vision, SpiceJet (airline), Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL team), and Sun Network.
The web of family-owned businesses includes Dayanidhi Azhagiri, son of MK Azhagiri (MK Stalin’s brother), who owns CloudNine Movies. Udhayanidhi’s wife, Kiruthiga, owns Inbox 1305, a weekly magazine. Several other family members are involved in smaller businesses, ranging from a cyber park and an event management company to an NGO.
The controversy surrounding Udayanidhi Stalin’s remarks has not only stirred public sentiment but has also raised questions about the intersection of politics and business.
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