New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first reaction to the Sanatana Dharma controversy, has said the remarks of Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin “needs proper response”.  His response came a day after Udhayanidhi Stalin cited the Central government’s omission of an invite to President Droupadi Murmu for the inauguration of the new parliament as an example of discrimination by practitioners of Sanatana dharma.

The minister, the son of Chief Minister MK Stalin, has refused to apologise for his comment that Sanatana Dharma is akin to a disease and “should be eradicated”.

He has repeatedly said he is ready to face any legal action for his comments. There are reports that attempts are being made to get the Tamil Nadu Governor’s sanction to initiate action against him.