Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi has stirred controversy with his recent remarks on secularism, describing it as a foreign concept not suited for India.
Speaking at a public event in Kanniyakumari, RN Ravi stated that secularism is rooted in European history, particularly in conflicts between the church and monarchies, and argued that India does not need such a concept.
"A lot of frauds have been committed on the people of this country, and one of them is the misinterpretation of secularism," he said, adding that secularism has no place in Indian culture, which is deeply intertwined with the concept of "dharma." He suggested that secularism, being a European idea, should remain confined to the West.
These comments have drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, with some questioning the Governor's commitment to the Indian Constitution.
Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Brinda Karat expressed concern, stating that Ravi's remarks seem to suggest he does not value the Constitution, which upholds secularism as a fundamental principle.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore also criticized the Governor, emphasizing that while secularism may have different meanings abroad, in India, it is about respecting all religions, traditions, and practices. Tagore highlighted that this inclusive understanding of secularism is central to India's identity.