A Raja, Lok Sabha MP for Nilgiris and general secretary of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), recently made headlines with controversial remarks about religious symbols.
Speaking to party members at an event, Raja urged DMK cadres to remove all religious symbols when wearing the party’s traditional dhoti.
In a video that has since gone viral, Raja explained his reasoning. He said that if both a DMK member and a "Sanghi" (a member of the RSS) wear a bindi or tilak, it becomes hard to tell them apart. He emphasised that the party needed to distinguish itself from others. Raja clarified that he was not against personal faith. He encouraged members to pray and believe in God, but insisted that when wearing the DMK dhoti, religious marks should be removed.
Also read: 'BJP is fostering division': DMK MP A Raja on language row
Raja also quoted the words of DMK founder Anna, saying that the "God" they know is the one seen in kindness, love and the innocent heart. This is not the first time Raja has made controversial statements about religion. Previously, he called the Hindu religion a "menace" to India and the world.
His latest comments have sparked debate, with many questioning whether this stance aligns with religious freedom and individual rights. Some support Raja’s call for secularism within the party, while others see it as an unnecessary restriction.
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