CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Brinda Karat on Friday said it was a matter of deep concern that the Narendra Modi-led government, with 31 per cent vote share, wanted to debate principles of the Constitution.
“We are shocked Ministers want to debate it,” she said at a seminar “The Challenges and Threats to Secular India,” organised by the Tamil Maanila Congress on the occasion of the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
The meeting also provided a platform for the coming together of TMC leaders, who could not share dais with the Communists, when they were part of the Congress. They, along with VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan, took a pledge to eradicate untouchability and to protect secularism.
Ms. Karat wondered how could Mr Modi remain silent when the constitutional values were targeted. The struggle for secularism, she said, was a struggle for the country's survival and its advancement.
Mr. Thirumavalavan alleged that the BJP and the Sangh Parivar sought to destroy the identity of Mahatma Gandhi as the world knew India only as the country of Gandhiji.
Educationist Vasanthi Devi said the BJP and the Sangh Parivar could be compared to a 1,000-headed snake and each head had a clearly defined role.
TMC leader G.K. Vasan said Gandhiji had a firm view that secularism was as important as freedom itself.
CPI national secretary D. Raja, CPI(M) State secretary G. Ramakrishnan and senior TMC leader Peter Alphonse were among those who participated.