Yearender 2023: From ‘Gaumutra’ to ‘Sanatan Dharma’ remark, most controversial statements this year

In the year 2023, the Indian political panorama witnessed a sequence of controversial statements that fueled heated debates and sparked widespread criticism. From DMK MP D N V Senthilkumar igniting a north-south divide debate within the Lok Sabha by referring to Hindi heartland states as “gaumutra states,” to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar going through authorized motion over his remarks on inhabitants management, the controversies ranged from regional sentiments to gender-related discussions. 

The expulsion of Rajasthan BJP chief Sandeep Dayma over inflammatory remarks on gurdwaras and the Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s contentious name for the ‘eradication’ of Sanatana Dharma added additional layers to the political discourse. Additionally, the Dalai Lama’s regrettable remark involving a toddler sparked criticism for its inappropriate nature. 

Here are the next incidents that added distinctive dimensions to the political narrative, highlighting the sensitivity of numerous points within the nation’s socio-political panorama:

When DMK MP’s controversial comment ignited debate on north-south divide in Lok Sabha

In a contentious assertion throughout a debate within the Lok Sabha, DMK MP D N V Senthilkumar referred to Hindi heartland states as “gaumutra states,” triggering a heated change between political leaders. Senthilkumar claimed that the BJP’s energy is restricted to successful elections within the heartland states and what he termed as “gaumutra states.”

BJP leaders swiftly responded, criticising the DMK and looking for clarification from Congress chief Rahul Gandhi relating to his stance on these derogatory remarks in opposition to north Indians. The remark provides gas to the discourse surrounding a perceived North-South political divide, particularly in mild of latest election outcomes.

The DMK MP asserted, “You (BJP) cannot come to South India. You see all the results of what happens in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka… we are very strong over there.” He even hinted at the opportunity of changing southern states into Union territories.

In response, Tamil Nadu BJP chief Ok Annamalai condemned the MP’s remarks, criticising the declining requirements of political discourse. He accused the DMK of vanity, predicting it to be a big issue within the occasion’s downfall.

The BJP expressed robust condemnation, emphasising the insensitivity of the DMK MP’s assertion. Former Karnataka minister C T Ravi questioned Rahul Gandhi’s stance on such insults, urging him to make clear whether or not he endorsed these derogatory remarks.

Meanwhile, BJP Rajya Sabha member GVL Narasimha Rao known as for authorized motion in opposition to the Tamil Nadu authorities and the state minister, demanding their removing for allegedly making “hate speeches” in opposition to Sanatan Dharma.

This controversial assertion provides a brand new layer to the political narrative, highlighting regional sentiments and escalating tensions between political factions. 

Legal motion initiated in opposition to Bihar CM Nitish Kumar over inhabitants management comment 

The controversy surrounding Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s latest remarks on inhabitants management has taken a authorized flip with a criticism filed in opposition to him in a Muzaffarpur courtroom. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the problem, criticised Kumar for his ‘derogatory’ remarks in opposition to ladies within the Bihar Assembly. While not explicitly naming Kumar, the PM expressed concern over the shortage of response from the constituents of the I.N.D.I.A bloc, condemning the disrespect proven in direction of ladies. Modi pledged to take motion to make sure the respect of girls within the face of such language.

Kumar’s controversial assertion, delivered whereas discussing the significance of girls’s schooling in inhabitants management, drew sharp criticism. He offered a vivid description of how an informed lady might affect her husband throughout sexual activity. The feedback sparked outrage, main to protests and calls for for the Bihar CM’s resignation.

In response to the mounting strain, Nitish Kumar later apologised in each homes of the legislature and outdoors. As he arrived on the Vidhan Sabha premises, he was met by opposition BJP MLAs holding placards denouncing his remarks and calling for his resignation. Despite the apology, the political tensions persevered, and the authorized criticism has added a brand new dimension to the continuing controversy.

Kumar clarified that he supposed to spotlight his authorities’s concentrate on ladies’s empowerment and the function of improved literacy in inhabitants management. Expressing remorse for any damage sentiments, the septuagenarian chief sought forgiveness and retracted his phrases. However, the fallout from his feedback continues to reverberate, with authorized proceedings now shaping the trajectory of the controversy.

Rajasthan BJP chief Sandeep Dayma expelled over ‘uproot Mosques, Gurudwaras’ remarks

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expelled Sandeep Dayma from the occasion following his contentious remarks on gurdwaras throughout a rally in Tijara, Rajasthan. Dayma, who was looking for votes for a BJP candidate, acknowledged that the gurdwaras within the state would grow to be “open sores” and ought to be uprooted. The expulsion comes simply days earlier than the Rajasthan Assembly election.

The remark, made on November 1 within the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, triggered a backlash, significantly from BJP leaders in Punjab who demanded Dayma’s removing from the occasion. Captain Amarinder Singh, BJP member and former Punjab Chief Minister, known as for fast expulsion and authorized motion in opposition to Dayma, emphasising that an apology wouldn’t suffice.

Dayma later issued an apology, attributing the controversial assertion to a “slip of the tongue.” He clarified that he supposed to point out ‘masjid-madrasa’ however mistakenly stated ‘gurdwara.’ The expulsion comes amid heightened political stress within the run-up to the Rajasthan Assembly election.

Controversy erupts as MK Stalin’s son advocates the ‘eradication’ of Sanatana Dharma

Udhayanidhi Stalin, a Tamil Nadu minister and son of Chief Minister MK Stalin, sparked an argument by stating that Sanatana Dharma, usually related to Hinduism, is in opposition to social justice and ought to be “eradicated.” During a press convention, he expressed that sure issues can’t be opposed however should be abolished, citing the necessity to eradicate Sanatana Dharma, likening it to eradicating illnesses like dengue or malaria.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused Udhayanidhi Stalin of advocating for a “genocide” of Hindus. BJP’s Amit Malviya claimed that by calling for the eradication of Sanatana Dharma, Udhayanidhi was endorsing the elimination of 80% of India’s inhabitants following the traditional custom. He additionally criticised the Congress for its silence, suggesting it could be seen as help for this alleged “genocidal call.”

Tamil Nadu BJP president Ok Annamalai accused Udhayanidhi Stalin of selling concepts from Christian missionaries and questioned his understanding of the non secular heritage of Tamil Nadu.

In response, Udhayanidhi Stalin refuted the allegations of calling for a “genocide” and argued that Sanatan Dharma divides individuals primarily based on caste and faith. He maintained that uprooting it symbolises the promotion of humanity and human equality. The controversial statements have intensified political tensions, prompting varied reactions from political leaders.

Dalai Lama’s ‘suck my tongue’ comment to youngster

The Dalai Lama expressed remorse and issued an apology after a video surfaced displaying him telling a boy to “suck my tongue.” In addition to the controversial comment, the footage additionally captured the non secular chief kissing the kid on the lips. 

The Dalai Lama’s workplace acknowledged that he wished to apologise to the kid and his household “for the hurt his words may have caused.” His workplace clarified that the Dalai Lama usually engages in playful teasing, even in public, however regrets the incident. 

The video, which circulated broadly on social media, has confronted criticism for its inappropriate and disturbing nature. The incident occurred on the Dalai Lama’s temple in Dharamshala on February 28, the place he interacted with college students finishing a expertise coaching program organised by the M3M Foundation, affiliated with actual property firm M3M Group.

Also learn | Yearender 2023: List of 5 prime achievements of Indian Railways this year

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