Tamil Nadu

A senior Tamil Nadu police officer confirmed the extensive nature of the searches, spanning locations in Vellore, Tiruchi, Karur, Pudukottai, and beyond, encompassing sand sales depots and the offices and residences of sand mining contractors.

In her letter to the President dated September 6, Madhu Devi questioned why Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, has not faced the invocation of the stringent National Security Act (NSA) for potentially causing division between two communities.

In a 15-point rebuttal posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Tamil Nadu CM clarified that his son expressed his views on 'oppressive Sanatan principles' that discriminate against marginalized groups and women, with no intention to offend any religion.

Udhayanidhi Stalin has repeatedly asserted his readiness to face any legal consequences for his remarks, and there are reports suggesting efforts to secure the Tamil Nadu Governor's approval to initiate action against him.

The controversy came to light on Saturday when Udhayanidhi, speaking at a conference organized by the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers Artists Association in Chennai, called for the eradication of Sanatana.

Amid the Sanatana Dharma row, Tamil Nadu BJP PresidentAnnamalai has dubbed Udhayanidhi Stalin as the "Pappu" of South India, akin to how Rahul Gandhi is referred to as "Pappu" in North India.

The controversy surrounding Udhayanidhi Stalin began with his comments at an event, where he likened "Sanatana Dharma" to diseases like malaria and dengue, suggesting it should be eradicated.

Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin - at the centre of a storm over his "sanatana dharma must be eradicated" remark - on Monday declared "I will repeat the same thing again and again".

In the video, which abruptly ends at one minute and forty seconds, Stalin mocks Hindu marriages, highlighting certain aspects of the ceremony. Watch the video here:

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