‘Can’t Distinguish...’: DMK Leader Asks Cadre Not To Wear Religious Symbol, Sparks Row

Last Updated:April 02, 2025, 17:24 IST

DMK leader A Raja sparked controversy by advising DMK student wing members to remove their sacred ash (pottu) at meetings, stating it equates them with Sanghis, triggering a heated debate.

DMK leader A Raja (File)

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader Andimuthu Raja has triggered a row by urging the party members to remove religious symbols while wearing the party’s signature dhoti.

While addressing the party’s student wing, the Nilgiris Lok Sabha MP Raja emphasised on distinguishing DMK members from right-wing “Sanghis." He said that it was required to “differentiate" party members from “Sanghis", in a video that has went viral among the netizens on social media.

“If you wear a ‘pottu’ (bindi/tilak/religious mark) and a Sanghi does the same, it becomes difficult to tell the difference when both clap. That’s why I say, pray to God if you wish. If your parents apply holy ash on your forehead, keep it. But once you wear the DMK dhoti, remove it," he can be heard saying as per the video.

“If we need God, we can have one… We are not against the God who represents love, kindness among people, the one who resides in an innocent heart, or the God seen in the smile of the poor, as Anna once said," he added.

AIADMK, BJP Slam A Raja

AIADMK national spokesperson Kovai Sathyan hit out at DMK leader for his alleged “anti-hindu" remarks. He said, “… A Raja doesn’t understand the societal fabric or culture. All he does is rant. His statement goes against his leader MK Stalin’s statement – “I’m an atheist, but I don’t stop the believers from following their faith, including my wife."… Nobody takes him seriously, not even his own party…"

Tamil Nadu BJP spokesperson ANS Prasad called Raja’s comments as highly condemnable, saying they attempt to belittle the spiritual beliefs and practices of the Tamil people, deliberately creating a rift between communities.

He said that Raja’s comments are not only hurtful but also divisive, aiming to polarise people along communal lines.

“By asserting that wearing a sacred mark (pottu) and carrying a rosary (kayiru) are characteristics of ‘sanghis’, Raja has made a blatant attempt to misrepresent Hindu traditions and practices. His statement is a gross misrepresentation of the Hindu community’s beliefs and values," he said.

This is not the first time A Raja has made controversial statements regarding religion. Previously, the DMK leader compared the ‘Sanatan Dharma’ to social stigma and diseases like HIV and leprosy. He had called Hindu religion a menace. “Hindu religion is a menace, not only to India but to the world," he had said.

(With inputs from agencies)

News politics ‘Can’t Distinguish...’: DMK Leader Asks Cadre Not To Wear Religious Symbol, Sparks Row