BJP's Amit Malviya Faces Legal Action for Controversial Tweet Against DMK Leader Udhayanidhi Stalin'

| 07 September 2023

In a recent development, a case has been registered against Amit Malviya, the head of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) IT department, over a contentious tweet aimed at Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader and Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. The tweet in question, posted on a popular social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), has ignited a firestorm of controversy.

On September 2, Malviya made a startling allegation in his tweet, suggesting that Udhayanidhi's recent comments on 'Sanatana Dharma' amounted to a call for "genocide" against the 80 percent of the population that follows this ancient Indian religious tradition. The specific statement in Malviya's tweet was as follows: "He (Udhayanidhi) is of the opinion that it (Sanatana Dharma) must be eradicated and not merely opposed. In short, he is calling for genocide of 80% population of Bharat, who follow Sanatan Dharma."

This tweet has now led to the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against Malviya in Tamil Nadu's Trichy. The complaint was lodged by a DMK functionary, KAV Dhinakaran. Malviya has been booked under sections 153, 153 (A), 504, and 505 (1) (b) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The complaint against Malviya alleges that, despite Udhayanidhi Stalin issuing a clarification regarding his remarks on Sanatana Dharma, Malviya deliberately distorted the minister's speech with the political motive of inciting violence and hatred between two groups and undermining communal harmony.

The controversy stems from Udhayanidhi Stalin's recent comments on 'Sanatana Dharma,' which triggered widespread criticism and condemnation from various quarters, including Hindutva groups and political parties, notably the BJP.

Speaking at a conference on September 3, Udhayanidhi stated that Sanatana Dharma should not merely be opposed but "eradicated." His exact words were, "Few things cannot be opposed, that should be abolished only. We can't oppose dengue, mosquitoes, malaria, or corona. We have to eradicate this. That's how we have to eradicate Sanatana."

Following Amit Malviya's controversial tweet, Udhayanidhi attempted to clarify his stance, emphasizing that he had not called for violence against the followers of Sanatana Dharma. However, he maintained his position, asserting that he "sticks firmly" with his remarks and is prepared to face any legal challenges. He argued that his comments were made on behalf of marginalized communities, which he claimed were suffering due to the practice of 'Sanatana Dharma.'

This incident reflects the ongoing tensions and sensitivities surrounding discussions related to religion and culture in India's diverse and politically charged landscape. It remains to be seen how the legal proceedings against Amit Malviya unfold and whether they will lead to further debate on the boundaries of freedom of expression and responsible political discourse in the country.