P Chidambaram Criticizes Tamil Nadu Governor’s Comments On Secularism

Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister P Chidambaram sharply condemned Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi’s assertion that there is “no need for secularism in India.” Chidambaram expressed his views in a post on the social media platform X, stating, “Having draped Tiruvalluvar in a saffron robe, the Governor of Tamil Nadu has now discovered that secularism was a European concept and has no place in India. He is not correct, but let us assume he is.”

Chidambaram went on to draw parallels between secularism and other democratic concepts, questioning whether similar arguments could be made against federalism and democracy, both of which he characterized as European concepts. “Shall we declare that Federalism has no place in India? One person, one vote was also a European concept. Shall we declare that some people will have no right to vote?” he asked.

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He further criticized the role of constitutional functionaries, suggesting that those in titular positions should remain silent on such matters.

This reaction followed Governor Ravi’s comments at a public event in Kanyakumari on Sunday, where he claimed that secularism is a foreign concept that does not apply to India. He argued, “Secularism came about in Europe due to the conflict between the Church and the king. How can India be away from ‘dharma’? Let secularism remain in Europe.”

Congress Member of Parliament Manickam Tagore also voiced his disapproval, stating that the Governor’s remarks were unacceptable and contrary to the Indian Constitution and the vision articulated by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar. Tagore emphasized that, in India, secularism involves respecting all religions and traditions.

He accused the BJP and its affiliates of attempting to undermine the essence of Indian secularism, arguing that India celebrates diversity and different religious beliefs. Tagore reiterated that the Congress party would defend the Constitution, which he claimed reflects the thoughts of Ambedkar.

Both Chidambaram and Tagore’s statements underscore a growing concern among Congress leaders regarding the implications of the Governor’s remarks on India’s secular framework.