Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched a sharp critique against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday, accusing the ruling party of viewing the constitutional principle of secularism as a "bitter" word and being desperate to erase it from India's foundational document. He made these remarks while presiding over a Christmas event in the state.
Stalin's Scathing Attack on BJP's Ideology
In his address, Stalin framed the current political climate as a battle for the soul of the Indian Constitution. He asserted that for the BJP, the term "secularism" has become a bitter pill, and the party is now engaged in a concerted effort to remove this core tenet from the nation's supreme law. His comments underscore the deepening ideological rift between the BJP-led central government and opposition-ruled states like Tamil Nadu on matters of national identity and governance.
Honouring a Pioneer in Women's Education
During the same event, the Chief Minister took time to celebrate the historical contributions of the Christian community to social progress in Tamil Nadu. He specifically hailed the yeoman services of Sarah Tucker, a Christian missionary from the early 19th century. Stalin highlighted her pivotal role in facilitating and advancing education for women in the Tirunelveli region of southern Tamil Nadu, a significant effort during a period when female education was not widely accessible.
The Broader Political Context
Stalin's speech, delivered on December 21, 2025, is seen as a significant political statement that reinforces the Dravidian model's commitment to social justice and pluralism. By juxtaposing the alleged threat to constitutional secularism with the celebration of a Christian missionary's legacy, the DMK leader is drawing a clear line between his party's vision and that of the BJP. This narrative is central to the opposition's critique that the BJP's majoritarian politics threatens India's diverse and secular fabric.
The Chief Minister's remarks are likely to fuel further debate on federalism and the interpretation of constitutional values. They also serve to consolidate his party's support base in Tamil Nadu, which has historically championed Dravidian identity and secular principles against perceived northern hegemony.
