Ravi called secularism a “European concept” that doesn’t belong to India and referred to it as a "fraud" perpetrated against Indians. The remarks sparked backlash across political lines, activists and public figures who condemned the Governor.
Published Sep 24, 2024 | 5:54 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 24, 2024 | 6:44 PM
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi. (Raj Bhavan/ X)
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi reignited the debate on secularism during his speech at a convocation function at the Hindu Dharma Vidya Peetham in Thiruvattar in the Kanniyakumari district on Monday, 23 September.
Ravi called secularism a “European concept” that doesn’t belong to India and referred to it as a “fraud” perpetrated against Indians. The remarks sparked backlash across political lines, activists and public figures who condemned the Governor.
The term “secularism” was officially added to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Amendment in 1976 during the Emergency period under the then-prime minister Indira Gandhi.
The amendment aimed to reaffirm India’s commitment to being a secular, socialist republic. This was seen as crucial at a time when political and social tensions were rising, and the country’s diverse religious fabric needed protection from communal forces.
BJP leader and former MLA H Raja spoke in support of Ravi and claimed that the statements were rooted in an analysis of history.
“In Western countries, even if kings make decisions, there exists a custom where religious leaders can exert significant influence. This has led to a compromise where six days of the week are secular, while one day is dedicated strictly to religious observance,” Raja told South First.
Adding to the statement, Raja said the Governor articulated a profound principle: Treating all religions equally is fundamental to our country’s ethos.
“It was only during the Emergency in 1975 that Mrs [Indira] Gandhi sought to justify her politically questionable actions by introducing these terms into political discourse. The Governor, being an educated individual with profound knowledge, evokes frustration among those who lack understanding of the truth that he speaks,” said Raja.
Meanwhile, Congress MP Jothimani termed Ravi’s comments as ‘ridiculous’.
“With due respect, the honourable Governor has lost his sense. This isn’t the first time we’ve heard such ridiculous statements from him. I think he needs a medical checkup. Tamil Nadu is not a land for such nonsense; people here will think he has lost his senses,” she told South First.
Jothimani went on to accuse the BJP and the RSS of losing composure as, according to her, their influence diminished and the Prime Minister’s popularity waned.
She also highlighted the death threats issued to Rahul Gandhi by ministers from the Modi government.
DMK student wing President R Rajiv Gandhi echoed these concerns and told South First: “The Constitution itself is influenced by foreign elements, particularly from the French Revolution. Ravi’s remarks clearly reflect a Hindutva agenda. He is unfit to hold the position of Governor if he seeks to undermine the secular nature of the Constitution.”
Sumanth Raman, a political analyst, told South First that if Governor Ravi disagreed with the Constitution, he should consider resigning before making such statements.
“The Government of India has secularism enshrined as part of the Constitution. While everyone has the right to freedom of speech, it is problematic for someone holding a constitutional position like the Governor to make such remarks. When in power, these statements carry more weight and can lead to serious issues,” he said.
“While a secular approach is good for all, there is a growing tendency of fundamental ideas and ideologies spreading like wildfire,” said Baskaran Krishnamurthy, a political analyst.
“In our country, the need for a secular way of life is constantly on the rise. As a nation housing many different beliefs and faiths, secularism is the safest most benevolent arrangement. Any drift or deviation would mean dangerous consequences,” Krishnamurthy said.
He also stated that secularism was not visualised as a “concept” in a written or documented form in India but was more in practice. He pointed out that secularism as a political or social tool was needed in Europe in those days when the term was coined.
“Secularism became necessary in the West due to the significant presence of Muslims in predominantly Christian societies, while the situation is different in India, where no single religion dominates. As a result, there has been more freedom to practice various beliefs without the same tensions seen in European countries, where securing their religion was a priority,” he said.
“The term “secularism” itself is not found in any oriental country, including China. In the Eastern part of the world, people tend to follow religions and rituals more than in the West, which is generally considered to be a more religious place,” said Krishnamurthy.
Political analyst Raveendran Duraiswamy told South First that pseudo-secularism is the order of the day in India.
He said the role of BJP-appointed Governors was often aligned with promoting a particular message reflective of the BJP’s ideology.
“While it is conventionally expected that a Governor should refrain from discussing political policies publicly, it seems that this kind of political rhetoric suits the BJP’s broader agenda,” said Duraiswamy.
Public interest lawyer and activist Prashant Bhushan also weighed in on the controversy.
“Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi criticised the concept of secularism in India, calling it a “fraud” and a European notion not relevant to the country. The SC has held Secularism part of Basic structure of the Constitution. This fellow mocks the SC&Constitution,” he wrote on X.
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi criticised the concept of secularism in India, calling it a “fraud” and a European notion not relevant to the country.
The SC has held Secularism part of Basic structure of the Constitution. This fellow mocks the SC&Constitution https://t.co/XDx88Px5LJ— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) September 24, 2024
Rishi Choudhary, a member of the Indian Navy according to his X handle, expressed his concern as well, noting that the Governor’s remarks reflected a troubling disregard for constitutional principles.
“Secularism is foundational to India’s diversity and unity. A governor undermining this value raises serious questions about their role and accountability,” he said on X.
The statement reflects a troubling disregard for constitutional principles.
Secularism is foundational to India’s diversity and unity.
A governor undermining this value raises serious questions about their role and accountability.
Such views threaten the fabric of a… pic.twitter.com/AUo0qSzyTd
— Rishi Choudhary 🇮🇳 (@RishiRahar) September 24, 2024
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil)
