Religious mutt head disapproves Stalin Jr’s comments, says those in power must talk with restraint

A powerful religious mutt in Karnataka entered the debate on Sanatan Dharma strongly disapproving of Tamil Nadu minister Udhyanidhi Stalin’s comments as the ruling Congress walks a tightrope as the issue rages.

Swami Nirmalananda Natha, head of the Adichunchanagiri Mutt, told the media in Mysuru that those who understand the principles of Dharma (religion) don’t talk lightly about any Dharma. The mutt that he heads is the religious seat of Vokkaligas, Karnataka’s second-largest community, to which deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar belongs.

Sanatan, the Swami said, meant ancient or eternal which has no beginning nor an end. Dharma, he added, was like oxygen and seeks to awaken and lead people from darkness to light.


In an obvious reference to the young DMK leader, the Swami said those in power should be responsible and exercise restraint while speaking in public.

As the issue continues to stoke angry reactions, sections of Hindu outfits filed cases at police stations against the TN minister in Dakshina Kannada, accusing him of hurting their religious sentiments.

In Mumbai, Karnataka’s IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge reiterated his earlier comments and said the Constitution was his religion. “Bhakts have lodged an FIR against me in Uttar Pradesh for stating that: Every religion should treat all human beings equally without discrimination,” he told the media.