Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi has stirred a political storm with his recent remark that secularism is a ‘European concept’, claiming it has no place in India. Speaking at a public event in Kanyakumari on September 22, Ravi stated that secularism was born out of the Church-King conflict in Europe and that India, deeply rooted in ‘dharma’, does not need secularism.
Ravi said, “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,” as reported by News18.
Opposition Leaders Condemn Governor’s Remarks
The governor’s statement has triggered strong reactions from opposition leaders, who criticized it as unconstitutional and divisive.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore condemned the remark, stating that it goes against the Constitution of India and the vision of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, BR Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He took to X (formerly Twitter), writing, “The statement of Tamil Nadu Governor on secularism is unacceptable and is against the Idea of India. While secularism may differ in foreign countries, in India, we respect all religions and traditions. This is the idea of secularism in India.”
Other Political Responses
Clyde Crasto, spokesperson for the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), criticized the governor for making such comments despite holding an important constitutional position. He urged neutrality from those in “honorable positions.”
The DMK’s TKS Elangovan dismissed the claim that secularism is foreign, stating, “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, and more. Secularism is essential for India, not Europe.”
Constitutional Debate
CPI (M) Polit Bureau Member Brinda Karat condemned the governor’s remarks and emphasized that secularism is a core principle of the Indian Constitution. She reminded Ravi that, as a governor, he took an oath to uphold the Constitution, which explicitly ensures the separation of religion and power.
Karat also referenced multiple Supreme Court rulings, affirming that secularism is part of the basic structure of the Constitution.
Secularism and Article 25
Article 25 of the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, a point raised by critics of Ravi’s statement. Elangovan added that the governor’s remarks demonstrate a lack of understanding of this constitutional provision and urged him to read the Constitution thoroughly.
The Controversy Continues
Governor RN Ravi’s remarks have ignited a broader debate on the role of secularism in India, with opposition leaders calling for the governor to adhere to the principles laid down in the Constitution. As political tension grows, the controversy underscores the sensitivity surrounding the idea of secularism in India’s diverse cultural landscape.
