Following the DMK’s significant electoral setback in the Tamil Nadu elections, DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin reaffirmed his stance on Sanatana Dharma during his maiden speech as Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly. He stated, “Sanatana, which divides people, must certainly be eradicated.” Following his comment, a video showing people wiping their feet over a doormat carrying the pictures of Udhayanidhi Stalin has gone viral. The users who share the video claim that it is a recent reaction by Hindus to his latest remarks against Sanatan Dharma in the Assembly.
Let’s check the truth.
Fact check:
By closely analysing the viral video, we found the logo of a Tamil news channel, IND Tamil 24×7. We checked the YouTube channel of this news organisation and found a similar video uploaded on 17 September, 2023.
Moving forward, we found the same video was shared on the YouTube channel of Dinamalar Daily as well in September 2023. The text on the video reads, “In Andhra Pradesh, Udhayanidhi’s photograph was turned into a temple doormat.” This indicates that the viral video is old.
We found a report published by the Deccan Herald on 9 October 2024, discussing the controversy surrounding a specific video. The report indicated that the clip originally surfaced in 2023, following Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks about the “annihilation of Sanatan Dharma.” Although the video first surfaced in September 2023, it began trending again in the first week of October 2024 after Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan targeted Udhayanidhi Stalin that week for his remarks on Sanatana Dharma.
On 9 October 2024, Udhayanidhi Stalin shared the viral video on his X account and wrote, “I feel nothing but pity for the “Sanghis” who, in their misguided attempt to humiliate me, have merely exposed the utter lack of political maturity they possess! Let them continue to trample upon my photograph with their feet; let them stomp on it even harder. While it is impossible for us to cleanse their filth-ridden minds, perhaps-just perhaps – their feet might at least get clean in the process.”
Taking account of all this evidence, it is clear that the viral video is from September 2023. It is not recent.
Conclusion
Fact Crescendo found the claim made along with the video to be Misleading. The video dates back to September 2023, following his similar remarks targeting Sanatana Dharma.
Title: Old video of protest against Udhayanidhi Stalin goes viral as reaction to his recent remarks against Sanatana Dharma
Written By: Usha Manoj
Result: Misleading
