New Delhi: Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi has stirred controversy with his recent remarks, stating that secularism is a “European concept” and not needed in India. He made these comments during a public event in Kanyakumari on Sunday, prompting a wave of criticism from political leaders and opposition parties.
Speaking at the event, Ravi argued that secularism had been misinterpreted in India, saying, “Many frauds have been committed against the people of this country, one of which is the wrong interpretation of secularism.” He further added, “What does secularism mean? Secularism is a European concept, and it is not an Indian concept. In Europe, secularism came because there was a fight between the Church and the king. How can India be away from ‘dharma’? Secularism is a European concept and let it be there only. In India, there is no need for secularism.”
Opposition Leaders Condemn Governor’s Remarks: Governor Ravi’s statements triggered immediate backlash, particularly on social media. Opposition leaders took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their strong disapproval of his views, coming down heavily on him for undermining India’s constitutional values.
Congress MP from Virudhunagar, Manickam Tagore, condemned the remarks, stating, “The statement of Tamil Nadu Governor on secularism is unacceptable and goes against the Constitution of India and the Idea of India, as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi, Baba Saheb Ambedkar, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.”
Tagore further elaborated on India’s unique approach to secularism, saying, “While the idea of secularism may be different in foreign countries, in India we respect all religions, traditions, and practices. This is the idea of secularism in India.”
NCP Spokesperson Criticizes Governor’s ‘Lack of Neutrality’: Clyde Crasto, spokesperson for the Nationalist Coongress Party (NCP) led by Sharad Pawar, pointed out that such comments were inappropriate for someone in the Governor’s position. “People in such honorable positions should maintain neutrality and refrain from making such statements, regardless of their personal affiliations,” Crasto asserted.
DMK and Left Leaders Lambast Ravi: Hitting out at the Governor over his contentious remarks, DMK leader TKS Elangovan argued that secularism is deeply rooted in India’s diverse cultural and religious fabric.
“Secularism is not a European concept; it is an Indian concept, as there are many religions in India. India is the birthplace of Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Shaivism, and Vaishnavism. Secularism is essential in India, not in Europe,” Elangovan said.
Elangovan also lambasted Ravi for his lack of understanding of India’s Constitution, referencing Article 25, which guarantees freedom of religion. “Article 25 clearly states there should be conscious freedom of religion. The Governor should read the Constitution fully,” he added.
Brinda Karat, Polit Bureau Member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), also weighed in, stating that secularism is a fundamental part of the Indian Constitution.
“Secularism is an intrinsic part of our Constitution, not just a word. Its essence is the separation of power and religion, and the Supreme Court has affirmed, through multiple judgments, that secularism is a basic structure of the Constitution,” Karat said. She further criticized the Governor for swearing to uphold the Constitution yet dismissing secularism as a European import.
Constitutional Debate Intensifies: Ravi’s remarks have reignited the debate over secularism and its place in Indian society. While some agree with his interpretation, the majority of critics argue that secularism is a cornerstone of India’s identity, enshrined in the Constitution and essential to maintaining harmony in a religiously plural nation. As opposition voices grow louder, many are calling for a clarification from the Governor and a reaffirmation of the commitment to uphold India’s constitutional principles.
