Chennai road renamed after controversial bishop, sparks DMK-BJP face-off

A political controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu after the government renamed Waddlels Road in Chennai’s Kilpauk area as Archbishop Ezra Sargunam Road. The DMK government's move to honour the late Christian leader has been slammed by the BJP, which has accused the DMK of glorifying a 'hate-monger'. The BJP points to the late Archbishop's past speeches, including one where he stated that "there was no such religion as Hinduism." While Sargunam was known for his work for backward communities and for being instrumental in appointing India's first transgender pastor, his remarks describing Hinduism as an artificial religion have been widely circulated by critics. The DMK has defended its decision, accusing the BJP of having double standards and preferring colonial-era names, with one speaker stating that BJP members "are slaves of the Britishers."