‘We are not against Hindus, but against Hindutva’: TN minister Aadhav Arjuna

Chennai: After a row erupted over Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition (LoP) Udhayanidhi Stalin’s ‘anti-Sanatan’ remark, Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Aadhav Arjuna said on Thursday that his party is “not against Hindus, but against Hindutva”.

According to Arjuna, Hindutva means “forcing one’s religion”.

Speaking to reporters, the Minister clarified that the TVK is against differentiation on the basis of caste and religion.

“We always treat Hindus, Christians and Muslims as equals. We respect all beliefs,” he said.

He added that though personally he does not believe in God, but as a Minister and MLA, he respects all religions and castes.

“I have to respect and so does our leader (Chief Minister Vijay). That is Indian Constitution. We don’t believe in any hierarchy,” Arjuna said.

Moreover, Minister Arjuna said: “We are not against Hindus; we are against Hindutva. Hindutva means forcing one’s religion.”

He added that ‘Sanatan’ is often misinterpreted.

“In north, Sanantan means ‘Hindu’ but in Tamil Nadu, ‘Sanatan Dharma’ means inequality. The controversy always happens over this,” he said.

Minister Arjuna urged the Tamil Nadu LoP to give clarity over his statement.

He reiterated, saying: “We are against inequality, but we are not against any religion.”

Regarding the works being undertaken by the new TVK-led government, Minister Arjuna said: “People want implementation of actions that is why our Chief Minister gave instructions to every MLA to start review meetings with higher officials, particularly, corporation, police, water management, drainage and school education departments.”

Arjuna highlighted Chief Minister Vijay’s order to shut more than 700 Tasmac liquor shops and mentioned that women’s safety is a big issue in Tasmac shops.

In order to stop the sale of drugs in the state, Arjuna said that a “healthy conversation” was held with the police department.

Minister Arjuna said: “Police will take action against drugs as well as on women’s safety. I have also requested to cover every police station under CCTV surveillance. We are ready to provide IT support to the police department.”

“This is not an order. The system has to work. We are ready to provide support,” he added.

On TVK’s promise to provide a corruption-free government, the Tamil Nadu Minister said: “We are going to follow our leader (Chief Minister Vijay) who had said that he won’t touch a single paisa of people’s money.”

“You can give the report (of our performance) after three months,” he asserted.

IANS