Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi Under Fire for Calling Secularism ‘Not An Indian Concept’

The Congress and the Left parties have slammed Tamil Nadu Governor's comments that "secularism is a European concept" and India does not need it.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh slammed Ravi and said that he "only a trial balloon floater" who is echoing what Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to get done.

Speaking at an event in the Kanyakumari district on Sunday, RN Ravi said that the concept emerged over a conflict between the church and the king while Bharat is a dharma-centric nation. In contrast, he noted, India's history is dharma-centric, without such religious-political conflicts. According to him, the Constituent Assembly had initially rejected secularism during the drafting of the Constitution.

Ravi's remarks quickly drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called for Ravi's immediate dismissal, accusing him of disrespecting the Constitution. "This man, who has taken an oath on the Constitution and who - inspite of his drumbeating - remains a Constitutional functionary, should be sacked forthwith. He is a disgrace." "This is not the first outrageous and unacceptable statement he has made. But he is only a trial balloon floater. He is echoing what the non-biological PM wants to get done," he added.

DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan also condemned the Governor, arguing that secularism is crucial to India's diverse society. "Secularism is needed in India, not Europe. Article 25 guarantees freedom of religion, which he seems unaware of," Elangovan remarked. He also pointed out that India's Constitution officially recognizes 22 languages, reflecting its pluralism.

Brinda Karat of CPI(M) weighed in, calling it "shameful" that someone holding such views holds the post of Governor. "Secularism is an integral part of our Constitution. Tomorrow, he might claim the Constitution itself is foreign. This reflects the RSS mindset. It's disgraceful that such a person is the Governor of Tamil Nadu," Karat said.