Gadkari Questions Congress’ Interpretation of Secularism, Highlights Hindu-Muslim Issues

New Delhi: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has questioned the Congress party’s interpretation of secularism, claiming it has contributed to ongoing Hindu-Muslim tensions in India. Speaking at a public event on Tuesday, Gadkari said that post-independence, Congress misused the term “secular” to serve its political interests, particularly in vote-bank politics, altering its original meaning.

Congress’ ‘Secularism’ and Its Impact
Gadkari stated that Indian culture has historically been non-communal and inclusive, but Congress’ post-1947 policies sowed divisions, leading to long-standing social tensions. He emphasized that the English term “secular” translates to “sarva dharma samabhav”, meaning equal respect for all religions, fairness to everyone, and no appeasement, which has been misrepresented politically as mere “religion-neutrality.”

“After independence, Congress gained power and, based on its own thinking, planted seeds that gave rise to multiple Hindu-Muslim issues,” Gadkari remarked. He added that India continues to grapple with these challenges today.

Reflecting on Historical Practices
Gadkari recalled the cremation rituals following the deaths of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, questioning why a Brahmin priest was called for the mantragni (ritual chanting and cremation). “I asked then, what does secularism truly mean?” he said, highlighting the confusion around the term in political practice.

Emphasizing Hindu and Sanatan Culture
The BJP leader stressed that Indian culture is neither communal nor casteist, and Hinduism promotes compassion, tolerance, and inclusivity. Gadkari asserted that history shows no instance of Hindu kings destroying other communities’ places of worship, noting, “This is not part of our culture or genetics; we are not authoritarian or expansionist.” He further lamented that Indian heritage, Sanatan culture, and history have been widely misunderstood, sometimes with the help of insiders.

Gadkari concluded by emphasizing the need to learn from past mistakes to avoid repeating them in the future.

(Input: PTI)