At the prestigious National Conclave titled “Constitutional Challenges: Perspective & Pathways,” Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu chaired the second session on the theme “Religion & the Constitution: Guardrails and Guidelines,” held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The event, organized by the AICC Law, Human Rights and RTI Department, brought together legal scholars, political leaders, and rights advocates to deliberate on the role of religion within the constitutional framework of India.
In his address, CM Sukhu emphasized that religion should be a deeply personal matter, not a tool for political leverage. He reiterated the constitutional mandate that the State must remain secular in its conduct, and any deviation from this principle could risk weakening the foundations of Indian democracy. Stressing the inclusive traditions of the nation, he said that all religions must be equally respected and celebrated, as this diversity is the cornerstone of India’s unity.
The Chief Minister expressed concern over rising polarization and warned against the misuse of religion as a divisive instrument. He called upon society and political stakeholders to uphold India’s ancient values of peace, brotherhood, and religious tolerance. According to Sukhu, when the shared moral fabric is compromised, it gives rise to social unrest, violence, and communal strife. Therefore, he urged a clear demarcation between politics and religion to preserve social harmony.
The session also featured prominent voices including former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh, constitutional expert Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, party spokesperson Alka Lamba, and MP Pramod Tiwari, who echoed similar sentiments about safeguarding India’s secular ethos amidst rising constitutional and ideological challenges.
Why This Is Important
The observations made by CM Sukhu at the conclave reflect a growing national concern regarding the interplay of religion and governance. In a time when secularism is increasingly being debated, his call to protect constitutional values and reject religious polarization is timely and significant. India’s constitutional framework is built on the premise of equality and pluralism. Reinforcing these ideals is not just necessary to maintain communal harmony, but is crucial to preserve the democratic spirit of the nation.
The conclave serves as an essential platform to reassert the importance of the Indian Constitution as a living document—one that must evolve to protect not just the legal rights of its citizens but the spirit of unity and tolerance that holds the country together.
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