'You are a Shudra till you're a Hindu', says DMK leader A Raja, draws BJP's ire

A Raja, whose past is filled with controversy and corruption allegations like the 2G scam, was seen making the comments in the video that has gone viral on social media.

Addressing an event in Tamil Nadu’s Namakkal last week, Raja broached the subject of casteism in Hinduism and went on to make the comment that has elicited a strong reaction from the BJP.

Raja, reportedly, said, " Shudras, the lowest caste in the varna system, are children of prostitutes and they will remain so as long as they practice Hinduism."

“You are a shudra until you are a Hindu. You are a prostitute’s son until you are a shudra. Until you are a Hindu, you are a Panjayathu (Dalit) and until you are a Hindu, you are an untouchable,” he said.

Reacting to Raja's alleged disparaging comments, Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai said the comments were simply an act of appeasement by targeting a particular community.

“Sorry state of political discourse in Tamil Nadu. @arivalayam MP has yet again spewed hatred against one community with the sole aim of appeasing others. Very very unfortunate mindset of these political leaders who think they own Tamil Nadu,” said Annamalai.

He then went on to criticise the Supreme Court of India.  “Supreme Court is saying that if you are not Christian, Muslim or Persian, you must be a Hindu. Have seen such an atrocity in any other country?” he said.

He then urged people to challenge Sanathan Dharma by questioning Hinduism and also called on his party DMK and its mouthpiece, Murasoli, and the Dravidar Kazhagam’s mouthpiece Viduthalai to take up the issue.

“Only when you start asking aloud as to how many of you want to be a son of a prostitute, an untouchable, will it destroy the roots of Sanathana,” said Raja.

After the controversy spiralled, Raja took to Twitter to defend his stance. He said, "Who are Sudras? Are they not Hindus? Why they have been insulted in Manusmrithi denied equality, education, employment and Temple entry. Dravidian Movement as saviour of 90% Hindus questioned and redressed these, cannot be anti-Hindus.(sic)