Remarks on ‘secularism’: Ex-GHADC MDC slams Assam CM

Shillong, June 29: Former GHADC MDC Sofior Rahman has condemned Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his reported remarks seeking removal of “secularism” and “socialism” from the Indian Constitution.

The former MDC of Balachanda constituency termed Sarma’s statement “factually misleading, constitutionally unsound, and politically provocative”.

Reacting to the Assam chief minister’s reported remark that “secularism” and socialism are “Western concepts” inserted during the Emergency period under former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Rahman said spirit of the two words had always been present in the Constitution.

He refuted the notion of Indian secularism being a ‘Western import’, asserting its deep roots in India’s “centuries-old values of tolerance, pluralism, and peaceful coexistence—from Ashoka to Akbar to Gandhi”.

To Sarma’s reported declaration, “How can I be secular? I am a hardcore Hindu,” Rahman said, “A person can follow any faith and still support a secular State.”

He also reminded politicians “who take oath on the Constitution should uphold its values, not question or dismantle them for ideological convenience.”

Hot this week

Pay hike of Assam ministers, MLAs likely as 3-member panel submits report

Full report likely by Oct 30 Guwahati Sept 25: There...

Meghalaya Biological Park Inaugurated After 25 Years: A New Chapter in Conservation and Education

Shillong, Nov 28: Though it took nearly 25 years...

Meghalaya man missing in Bangkok

Shillong, Jan 10: A 57-year-old Meghalaya resident, Mr. Treactchell...

ANSAM rejects Kuki’s separate administration demand, says bifurcation not acceptable

Guwahati, Sept 8: Rejecting the separate administration demand of...

Meghalaya’s historic fiber paves the way for eco-friendly products and sustainable livelihoods

By Roopak Goswami Shillong, Oct 25: From making earbuds to...

Meghalaya, Assam start installation of border pillars  

Pillars to be raised in six resolved areas before...

Over 400 street vendors found eligible for CoVs

Shillong, July 2: Over 400 vendors in Khyndailad area...

Govt announces incentives for hawkers to relocate  

Deadline for relocation extended till July 22 ** ‘Hidden...

Shubhanshu Shukla studies muscle loss in microgravity on board ISS

New Delhi, July 1: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is conducting...

8 killed in crackers factory blast in TN

Virudhunagar (Tamil Nadu), July 1: At least eight workers,...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img