Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan voiced his discontent on Monday regarding the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony held in Ayodhya by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Expressing concern, he remarked, "We have reached a point where the inauguration of a religious place of worship in the country is being celebrated as a state event."
Vijayan emphasized the need for those committed to preserving the Constitution to reiterate their dedication to its secular character. "By abstaining from participating in the event, we have upheld our Constitutional responsibilities," he asserted.
Highlighting the essence of secularism in the democratic republic of India, Vijayan stated, "Secularism is our identity as a nation, dating back to the days of our national movement. This nation belongs to all people and all sections of Indian society, equally."
Reiterating the private nature of religion, he pointed out that the Indian Constitution ensures the right to freedom of conscience and the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate religion for all individuals. "As oath-takers to uphold the Constitution, we must ensure that every person within our territories enjoys this right equally, without promoting one religion above all others," the Chief Minister emphasized.
Quoting India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, Vijayan reminded, "Indian secularism means the separation of religion and state." He expressed concern about the thinning line between religion and state, a departure from earlier times when constitutional office bearers were cautioned against participating in religious events.
In conclusion, Chief Minister Vijayan urged that the current situation be an opportunity to promote harmony and a spirit of common brotherhood among all people in India, transcending religious, linguistic, and regional diversities.
(With Agency Inputs)
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