The Selective Secularism of tamil Nadu: Why Is Hindu Faith Singled Out?
Tamil Nadu proudly calls itself a secular state. But increasingly, many are asking an uncomfortable question: is secularism being applied equally, or selectively?
Let’s look at recent public examples.
Actor-politician Joseph Vijay openly flaunts the Christian cross, and his party TVK hosts christmas celebrations without controversy. The ruling establishment has openly supported Muslim claims in sensitive religious matters such as the Tripurakundram deepam issue. These actions are either praised as “inclusive” or quietly ignored.
Yet, when K. Annamalai, the tamil Nadu bjp president, openly follows and expresses his Hindu faith, he becomes a lightning rod for hatred, ridicule, and relentless political targeting.
Why?
When Faith Is Acceptable — and When It’s “Problematic”
In today’s tamil Nadu political narrative:
Public expression of Christian identity is called personal belief
Political accommodation of Muslim religious demands is termed minority rights
But visible Hindu faith is immediately branded as communal, regressive, or dangerous
This is not secularism.
This is selective secularism.
True secularism does not mean suppressing one religion while amplifying others. It means equal distance — and equal respect — for all faiths.
The Anti-Hindu Conditioning Nobody Wants to Acknowledge
Over decades, a powerful ecosystem of politics, cinema, academia, and media has subtly pushed one idea:
Hindu assertion = threat.
As a result:
Temple traditions are mocked
Hindu festivals are politicized
Hindu leaders are constantly forced to “prove” their neutrality
Meanwhile, public religious expression by others is normalised — even celebrated.
This conditioning has become so deep that many don’t even see the bias anymore.
Annamalai Isn’t Hated for politics Alone
Let’s be honest. annamalai isn’t opposed just because of his policies or party affiliation.
He is opposed because:
He speaks unapologetically as a Hindu
He challenges long-standing ideological monopolies
He refuses to dilute his faith to appear “acceptable”
And that makes him dangerous to a system built on appeasing some identities while silencing another.
The Real Question tamil Nadu Must Face
If celebrating christmas is secular…
If supporting Islamic religious claims is secular…
Then why is practicing hinduism communal?
Until this question is answered honestly, tamil Nadu’s claim of secularism will remain hollow.
Because secularism that excludes Hindus is not secularism at all — it is discrimination dressed up as progressivism.
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