The irrelevance of secularism (Religion and State)

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 The irrelevance of secularism (Religion and State)

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• State and Religion in India : Post Sabarimala case in the S.C., question were raised on what should the State do about Religion. We may as well ask the reverse - what should Religion do about the State!
• Indian definition of Secularism : Indian Constitution says that the Indian state must be equidistant from all religions while allowing religions equal space in public sphere. This definition creates confusion.
• Problems with it :

1. The huge difference in numbers of various religious adherents makes this definition impractical. Hence, only a particular type is seen today largely in State affairs.
2. Since Indian society is deeply engaged with religion, political parties have used religious sectarianism to further their cause. The Muslim League succeeded in getting a nation on religious lines in 1947, giving the cause of RSS and Hindu Mahasabha a big fillip.

• Indira and Rajiv years : That the Congress also had a Hindu nationalist component is forgotten due to the towering personality of Nehru, who promoted composite nationalism. But Indira used religion to return to power in 1980, and Rajiv did not stop the murderous mobs killing Sikhs after Indira's assassination.
• Dual appeasement : Rajiv then overturned the S.C. judgment in Shah Bano case, and then opened the Babri Masjid for Hindu religious rites.
• End of the veneer also : The rise of BJP in 2014 ended the veneer of secularism totally. Now, official duties can be performed alongside religious rites comfortably.
• Congress and soft Hindutva : Rahul Gandhi flaunts his caste and religious affiliation for political purposes. There is no point blaming politicians of any party, because majoritarianism is selling today.
• Mistake in early years : The framers of the Constitution failed to build an unbreachable wall between the State and Religion. They too were helpess, due to the innate religious nature of Indian society. So as on date, it means nothing, and the public stands confused.
• Summary : The meaning of secularism in India has eroded significantly over the decades.

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