Political leanings or limited factual understanding often fuel negative portrayals. The current campaign against Sanatan Dharma illustrates this pattern. Sanatan Dharma is described as inclusive, tolerant, peaceful, and focused on universal well-being. Yet it has faced opposition from Western ideologies over centuries. Certain Indian political parties, politicians, and commentators, influenced by domestic interests and external ideas, have joined this stance. A recent instance occurred on May 12, 2026, in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, where DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin called for the eradication of Sanatan, claiming it divides society. Similar remarks have been made previously by him and others. Analysis suggests these statements reflect not only political calculation but also a flawed grasp of the term. The word Sanatan derives from the Sanskrit root Sad. Grammatical rules show that adding the suffix Num produces Sana, signifying eternal survival. The element Tan denotes expansion. Combined, Sanatan refers to that which expands without limit or flows continuously. A Sanskrit phrase states that what has existed eternally and will persist forever is Sanatan Dharma, possessing neither beginning nor end. Efforts to eliminate something defined as timeless are therefore seen as unrealistic. Historical attempts by figures including Alexander, Mihirakula, Muhammad Ghori, Mahmud of Ghazni, Khilji, Genghis Khan, Timur Lang, Babur, and Aurangzeb failed to remove it. Its enduring quality rests on universal principles such as truth, karma, duty, ethics, virtue, welfare, tolerance, nature reverence, and liberation. Sanatan is presented as a comprehensive way of life rather than a religion tied to one prophet or text. Core statements include the Rigvedic idea that truth is one though described variously, the Upanishadic wish for universal happiness, the concept of the world as one family, and the presence of consciousness in all beings. Ancient references called it Manav Dharma before it became known as Hindu Dharma. Social issues like caste bias entered later and have faced internal opposition. Calls for total removal due to such problems are viewed as excessive. Leaders from parties including the DMK, Congress, and Samajwadi Party have repeated criticisms, often linked to Marxist influences or electoral strategies. In September 2023, Udhayanidhi Stalin compared Sanatan to diseases requiring elimination.
