Selective Secularism in India: Controversies in Tamil Nadu and Bengal

The recent controversy surrounding the centuries-old Deepam lighting ritual in Tamil Nadu highlights a troubling trend in India’s political landscape: the selective application of secularism. While this cultural practice, deeply rooted in Tamil Hindu life, has been framed as a potential threat to communal harmony, attempts to resurrect the Babri Masjid narrative in West Bengal have elicited little to no backlash.

The lighting of lamps during Karthigai Deepam, celebrated on December 3, 2023, was permitted by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. This decision, however, ignited a swift political reaction. Instead of supporting the judicial ruling, state authorities appeared obstructive, transforming a long-standing religious tradition into a contentious issue. Opposition parties expressed outrage, questioning the impartiality of the judicial system and even calling for impeachment proceedings against the presiding judge. The underlying message was clear: a Hindu ritual, even when legally sanctioned, could be perceived as provocative when it conflicts with certain political ideologies.

In stark contrast, the situation in West Bengal reveals a different narrative. Efforts to revive the Babri Masjid discourse, which had been settled through judicial processes decades ago, have not faced similar condemnation from political figures. While a Trinamool Congress legislator was temporarily suspended for their comments, the broader political environment remained largely supportive, with the INDIA bloc—typically vocal on communal issues—choosing silence. This inconsistency raises critical questions about the selective nature of political discourse surrounding secularism.

In West Bengal, religious events such as Ram Navami processions and Durga immersion ceremonies have often been subject to strict regulations and heightened police presence. Conversely, other religious gatherings frequently proceed without similar restrictions. When tensions arise, accountability for administrative bias is rarely acknowledged, and blame is often shifted towards perceived provocations.

What connects the Deepam controversy in Tamil Nadu and the Babri Masjid rhetoric in Bengal is not merely religion; it is the underlying power dynamics associated with electoral politics. Selective secularism has become a tool for various opposition parties, which portray Hindu cultural expressions as needing regulation, while minority politics escape similar scrutiny. This tactic appears aimed more at maintaining and expanding vote banks than at fostering true communal harmony.

India’s Constitution does not endorse this disparity. Article 25 guarantees all citizens the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate their religion, subject only to public order, morality, and health. It does not prioritize one faith over another, nor does it permit the state to interpret “harmony” selectively for political gain. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Constitution, warned against misusing constitutional principles for partisan purposes. He envisioned a secularism that respects all religious expressions equally and prevents the state from favoring or discriminating against any group.

A truly secular state should not fear the lighting of a lamp, nor should it keep historical disputes alive for political advantage. To achieve genuine harmony, all religions must receive equal respect and consideration. Those who are vocal about the Deepam lighting controversy while remaining silent about the Babri Masjid narrative must recognize that cultural practices are not threats. The majority faith should not face disproportionate constraints for the sake of harmony.

Voters have become increasingly aware of these double standards. They can differentiate between genuine neutrality and bias, as well as between inclusion and appeasement. Attempts to selectively moralize faith are no longer going unchallenged; instead, they invite skepticism and resistance. The controversies surrounding the Deepam lighting in Tamil Nadu and the Babri Masjid in West Bengal expose the weaknesses in contemporary secular rhetoric, signaling a shift in voter perception that may have significant implications for future political landscapes.