The recent sloganeering in the B.C. Legislature has once again sparked debate over whether religion and politics should be mixed.

Opposition NDP MLA and human rights critic in the shadow cabinet, Raj Chouhan, has invited criticism from several quarters for chanting a religious exultation in the House.

He had cried, "Bole So Nihal," a Sikh slogan or "jaikara," literally translated as "whoever utters shall be fulfilled."

This particular jaikara is a shout of triumph and a call to action. Chouhan used the expression at the end of his speech after the provincial government apologized for the Komagata Maru ship episode. The vessel carrying mostly Sikh passengers was turned away from the Vancouver coastline in 1914 under the discriminatory continuous journey law.

The Sikhs who gathered at the legislature to attend the historic moment raised the slogan too. As a custom the slogan is raised in Sikh temples and religious congregations. Historically, it’s a war call that celebrates the victory of God.

However, Chouhan’s chanting has irked some people in the Indo-Canadian community, as the Komagata Maru passengers also included Hindus and Muslims. His action has not been appreciated by people whose politics are secular and inclusive.

He should have avoided the use of the slogan, as it could set a bad precedent in Canadian politics.

When the provincial legislature and the federal parliament both avoid extending Christmas greetings to keep the state and the church apart, then what’s the point in making such concessions for religious minorities?

But Chouhan alone cannot be blamed for setting such an example.

In the past, his NDP party colleague, Jagrup Brar, brought a resolution to the legislature seeking recognition of the five religious symbols important to devout Sikhs.

Very recently, the provincial government announced the naming of a new emergency room at the Surrey Memorial Hospital after Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.

Gurbax Malhi, a Liberal MP from Ontario, takes credit for organizing a Sikh prayer in the House of Commons.

Mainstream politicians cannot be absolved of this blame either. Our Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, has started the trend of ending his speech with God Bless Canada.

This cocktail might slowly bring in the Indian brand of secularism where all the religions are openly promoted by the state.

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