Congress, CPI(M) slam TN Governor RN Ravi as his 'secularism' remark sparks row

Secularism is a European concept evolved after a conflict between the church and the king whereas Bharat is a dharma-centric nation and therefore, it was not part of the Constitution, but added during the Emergency by “one insecure prime minister”, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi has said.

A lot of frauds have been committed on the people of the country, and one of them was a wrong interpretation of secularism, he said addressing an event in Kanyakumari district on Sunday. "What does secularism mean? Secularism is a European concept, secularism is not a Bharatiya concept," he said.

‘Bid to appease some sections’

Decades later, during emergency (1975-77), "one insecure Prime Minister," introduced secularism in the Constitution in order to appease some sections of people, the Governor alleged. Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister during the emergency.

He further said in Europe, secularism emerged as there was a fight between the church and the king and in order to end this conflict, which went on for a long time, this concept was evolved.

At the time of independence, when the Constitution was being drafted, a discussion came up on secularism and the Constituent Assembly rejected it observing that Bharat is a dharma-centric country and there has been no conflict, similar to what was witnessed in Europe, Ravi claimed.

Citing the Constituent Assembly discussions, he said it was deliberated there that Bharat is a country of dharma. "How can there be a conflict with dharma? How can Bharat be away from dharma? it cannot be!" he said. Hence, they said secularism was a European concept and let it be there, Ravi added.

In India, there was no need for secularism, they said and hence, it was not included in the Constitution, the governor asserted.

Outrageous, says Congress

The Congress slammed as "outrageous and unacceptable" the governor’s remark that "secularism is a European concept" and demanded his immediate sacking.

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

Ramesh's remarks came after Ravi said secularism is a European concept that evolved after a conflict between the church and the king whereas Bharat is a dharma-centric nation and therefore, it was not part of the Constitution but added during Emergency by "one insecure prime minister".

Reacting to the remarks, Ramesh said, "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," the Congress leader said.

Reflects RSS understanding: Karat

CPI (M) leader Brinda Karat also hit out at the governor for his comments on secularism, calling it a "shame" that someone with such views has been appointed to governor.

Karat stated that this reflects the “RSS understanding” and warned that he might soon claim the Constitution is also a “foreign concept".

“This governor has presumably taken an oath in the name of the Constitution. Secularism is an integral part of our Constitution and the separation of religion from politics is also enshrined within it. Tomorrow, he might claim that the Constitution of India itself is a foreign concept. This reflects the RSS understanding. It is shameful that such a person has been appointed as the governor of such an important state as Tamil Nadu,” Karat told news agency ANI.

(With agency inputs)