Controversy erupts over Stalin’s talk on Vedic marriage mantras, DMK says it’s motivated

It all started after political commentator Sumanth Raman shared the old video, tagged Stalin and expressed his disappointment at the leader’s critique of Vedic marriage customs. Raman also sought to know if the DMK president would dare to do the same with any other religion. No sooner, Congress spokesperson Americai V Narayanan joined the issue, calling Stalin’s critique “unnecessary and uncalled for.”

“The image of @mkstalin as a moderate progressive leader will be affected by this,” Narayanan said, expressing reservations at the DMK chief taking a jibe at Vedas and mantras, something the party used to do with regularity in the distant past.

Unsurprisingly, DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai swung into action and started hitting out Twitterati, especially Raman for ‘recycling’ the old video. VCK general secretary Ravikumar also rushed to the defense of Stalin and asked Raman to “tell me the ‘real’ meaning of the mantras before criticising him.”

Speaking to DT Next over phone, Saravanan Annadurai said, “They are trying to give a twist ahead of election. This is going to trend till the elections. They should realise that this is Periyar’s land of rationalism and not north India. People will not buy it if they whip up sentiments here. He is slyly peddling the agenda of the BJP. He does not have the courage to declare himself as a BJP sympathiser instead of hiding behind the cloak of a commentator or neutral person. If he has courage, he should declare his rightwing loyalty.”

When asked, Sumanth Raman said, “I saw the video last night. I expressed my disappointment at calling Hindu mantras obscene. I was in debating circuit even in 2017. But I don’t remember it being debated on any forum. Even if it was an old video, there was no need to insult any group. The party must make its stand clear. I have no problem if they criticise all religions. They don’t take up the practices in other religions for criticism. I was hoping that the DMK had moved from that generation and it would focus on economic issues and development. I still hope that it will happen.”