The BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit turned up the heat on Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin Thursday, urging him to resign after the Madras High Court’s Madurai Bench quashed an FIR targeting BJP IT chief Amit Malviya. Spokesperson ANS Prasad called it proof of Stalin’s moral and constitutional disqualification from office.
The court’s January 20 judgment came in response to Malviya’s posts countering Stalin’s inflammatory September 2023 remarks. There, Stalin notoriously drew parallels between Sanatan Dharma and scourges like malaria, dengue, and COVID-19, even suggesting it be ‘eradicated.’ BJP leaders decried this as a direct assault on Hindu sentiments shared by crores.
Justice S. Srimathi ruled decisively: Malviya’s response wasn’t criminal; the FIR was a misuse of law to muzzle disagreement. Prasad celebrated it as affirming that critique of hate speech isn’t punishable.
Drawing on constitutional principles of religious equality and harmony, Prasad argued no public servant – especially one sworn to protect them – can indulge in faith-bashing. ‘This ruling fortifies accountability for leaders’ words,’ he added.
Beyond rhetoric, Prasad positioned the resignation call as an ethical mandate. As the DMK scion faces mounting pressure, the episode highlights deepening religious and political polarizations in Tamil Nadu, potentially reshaping electoral strategies ahead.