The Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari sent a letter to Maharashtra CM Udhav Thackeray chastising him for failing to open up temples (which are closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic). To make matter worse, Koshiyari added a taunt: he asked Udhav Thackeray, "Have you suddenly turned secular?"
It is common for BJP IT Cell trolls to use “secular” as a term of abuse. But for a Governor to do so marks a new low, since “secularism” is enshrined in India’s Constitution to which the Governor has to swear allegiance.
Thackeray responded by asking Koshiyari, “Isn't secularism a key component of the Constitution, by which you swore while taking oath as the state governor?” He also added the obvious point that opening temples would put the lives of (Hindu) devotees at risk: “While considering the sentiments and beliefs of the people, it is also important to take care of their lives and it is wrong to impose or lift the lockdown in a sudden manner.”
Since Koshiyari sees “secular” as a term of abuse or mockery, he has no right to remain Governor. He is free to grace the Sangh shakhas – but should quit the Governor’s seat.
