The Congress party took three days to condemn and distance themselves from the statements made by DMK leaders Udayanidhi Stalin and A Raja, who compared Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism) to leprosy and HIV. The BJP strongly reacted to these comments, calling it mental bankruptcy. The Congress party stated that they do not agree with these remarks and believe in equal respect for all religions. They also emphasized that every member of the INDIA alliance respects all faiths, communities, and beliefs.
Congress’ media and publicity department head, Pawan Khera, reiterated the party’s belief in “sarvadharma sambhav” which means equal respect for all religions. He stated that no faith should be considered less than another, as per the Constitution and the Congress party’s beliefs. Khera also mentioned that there is no need to raise these issues with their ally DMK because all constituents of the INDIA alliance have immense respect for all religions. He concluded by saying that anyone is free to twist remarks if it suits them, but the alliance stands united in their respect for all faiths.
