P Chidambaram Reacts To TN Governor RN Ravi: “Having Draped Tiruvalluvar With A Saffron Robe”
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi ignited controversy on Monday with his statement that secularism is a European concept with no relevance to India. Speaking at the convocation of the Hindu Dharma Vidya Peetham in Thiruvattar, Kanyakumari, Ravi remarked, “A lot of frauds have been committed to the people of this country, and one of them is the wrong interpretation of secularism. Secularism is a European concept; it is not a Bhartiya concept.”
Ravi elaborated on the origins of secularism in Europe, citing the historical conflict between the church and the monarchy. He added, “How can India be away from Dharma? Secularism is a European concept and let it be there only. In India, there is no need for secularism.”
His remarks drew sharp reactions from political leaders, particularly from Congress MP P Chidambaram, who criticised the governor’s stance. Chidambaram, a Rajya Sabha MP, stated, “Having draped Tiruvalluvar with a saffron robe, the Governor of Tamil Nadu has now discovered that secularism is a European concept and has no place in India.”
Chidambaram continued his critique by questioning the logic behind the governor’s argument. He pointed out that federalism, another system of governance, also has its roots in Europe. “Shall we declare that federalism has no place in India?” he asked. He further added, “One person, one vote was also a European concept. Shall we declare that some people will have no right to vote?”
The Congress leader also highlighted that democracy, a fundamental principle of modern governance, was an imported idea not originally practiced in India, which was historically ruled by monarchs. “Shall we declare that democracy will be jettisoned in this country?” he questioned, underscoring the importance of these concepts to India’s political fabric.
Chidambaram concluded his statement by advising constitutional functionaries, particularly those in ceremonial positions, to refrain from making such divisive comments. “Constitutional functionaries, especially those who hold titular positions, should take a vow of silence,” he remarked.
Governor RN Ravi’s comments on secularism have sparked further debate in Tamil Nadu’s political circles, with ruling DMK and Left raising questions about the interpretation of foundational concepts like secularism and their relevance in India’s diverse and pluralistic society.
“Secularism is the most needed concept in India, not in Europe. Particularly the Governor, he had not gone through the Constitution of India. Article 25 says that there should be a conscious freedom of religion that he doesn’t know. He should go and read the constitution fully. Twenty two languages are listed in our constitution,” said DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan.
CPI leader D Raja strongly deplored the statement made by RN Ravi. “What does he know about secularism? What does he know about India? He is a governor…he must abide by the Constitution. The Constitution of India defines India as a secular democratic republic,” he added.
