Controversy Erupts Over Sanatana Dharma Remarks

Congress leader V D Satheesan criticized Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's remarks on Sanatana Dharma, accusing him of misrepresenting its heritage to favor the Sangh Parivar. Vijayan's comments, seen as derogatory by BJP, ignited a debate at the Sivagiri pilgrimage, focusing on the legacy of Sree Narayana Guru.

In a heated exchange that has intensified political discourse in Kerala, Congress leader V D Satheesan accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of distorting the essence of Sanatana Dharma. This criticism came after Vijayan's comments at the Sivagiri pilgrimage, where he warned against mistakenly conflating Sree Narayana Guru's teachings with Sanatana Dharma.

Satheesan argued that Sanatana Dharma is a cultural heritage integral to Hindu philosophy, including Advaita and the core teachings found in the Vedas and Upanishads. He claimed Vijayan's portrayal of Sanatana Dharma as an exclusive Sangh Parivar ideology was erroneous, emphasizing that it's incorrect to attribute it solely to any group.

The BJP also reacted strongly, interpreting Vijayan's comments as an insult to Sanatana Dharma and Sree Narayana Guru's followers. The controversy has sparked wider discussions on how religious teachings are intertwined with socio-political narratives in contemporary Kerala.

(With inputs from agencies.)