Keep religion away!

The world is seized with Taliban issues, governments huddling over means to tackle the sudden changes in the geopolitical situation in the region.

We are seized of a contentious issue, the allotment of a room in the Jharkhand assembly to the minorities for offering Namaz. Hemant Soren has needlessly stirred a hornet’s nest as the BJP has caught on to the government’s controversial order without much to protest otherwise in the state. Ranchi is paralyzed today, with opposition parties protesting vehemently against the order to provide one room for Muslim prayers.

The saffron brigade is out in strength with pictures of various gods, Hanuman topping their charts. Many are demanding to recite Ganesh Vandana before the commencement of the session and Hanuman Chalisa during the sessions. The protests have now spread to other states as well.

India is arguably a secular state, religion showing up with the politicians during the polls to polarize voters. But, by and large, neither the judiciary nor the bureaucracy is much tainted with religious slants.

Primarily it is the idiocy of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha’s leader and the CM Hemant Soren to appease any group by offering a place for prayer. Next would be a demand for holidays on Fridays, as prevalent in most Muslim countries. Instead of forging amity between communities, like the recent RSS overtures, it is criminal to spark disharmony among people.

I would have objected in equal force had any government provided space for a temple inside either a state assembly or such place of governance. It is easy to let the genie out of the lamp and impossible to push it back inside.

With the world watching with shock and horror the happenings in Afghanistan, the Centre and states must try and promote secular harmony between communities, rather than such silly acts.

Sampath Kumar

Intrépide Voix