Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has expressed concern over the diminishing separation between politics and religion, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation as the ‘yajman’ or patron in a high-profile Hindu religious event at Ayodhya. Vijayan emphasized that Indian secularism entails the separation of religion and state, a principle eroding with recent events. The chief minister highlighted the constitutional caution against public office bearers participating in religious events to preserve the nation’s secular credentials.
Vijayan, representing the CPI(M), known for its staunch support of traditional secularism, criticized the thinning line between religion and state, urging a commitment to equal religious freedom. While the Indian National Congress boycotted the Ayodhya event, Vijayan declined the invitation, prioritizing constitutional responsibilities over participation.
The chief minister cautioned against diverting attention from vital issues like development, urging the country to focus on economic and social progress rather than reverting to past ideologies.
