Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said it was Sanatanam’s approach to remain silent despite provocation. “We are calm because there is no violence in Sanatanam, which is the belief of Hindus,” she told newsmen after speaking at the farewell celebrations of the 90th anniversary of the Audit Society in Chennai on Saturday.
The minister was responding to a media question regarding Tamil Nadu Youth Welfare and Sports Development Minister Udyandhi Stalin’s recent remarks on the eradication of Sanatana Dharma.
“I am from Tamil Nadu where the effigy of Lord Rama was beaten with gravel. Then some people questioned whether Rama was an engineer. But the followers of Sanatana Dharma do not do anything about such incidents response even though violence is being provoked,” she said.
She said regardless of one’s ideology, ministers had no right under the constitution to talk about eradicating religion after being sworn in.
“Ministers who are sworn to do their job are saying they will destroy a community. Such remarks by a minister in a public meeting are wrong. Even the HR & CE minister on the podium heard this. Comments made subsequently It is not acceptable to seek clarification. Ministers should speak responsibly,” she said. “When he criticizes Sanatana Dharma, does he have the courage to say such things to any other community,” she questioned.
