Unify, not alienate!
Shahi Imam extending support to Congress party, pursuant to Sonia Gandhi’s visit has thrown open new dimensions in the voting pattern and the control of clergy over the process.
Firstly, it seems the secular credentials are reserved for non-Hindus, as a similar visit by any opposition leader to Hindu religious leaders would have invited scathing criticism from the so called secular elements.
Shahi Imam, by deviating from the role of a religious head to give political advisory to Muslims, has further strengthened the belief that despite six decades of our independence, a large section of the minority lives in isolation, failing to merge with the mainstream India and wish to retain their identity primarily on religious lines!
The relations between the two communities have never been so suspect prior to the independence, when the war to oust the British was fought shoulder to shoulder by both the Hindus and the Muslims. It was the wily English who sowed the poison of religion and divided the country on the lines of same. The war with Pakistan and the part occupation of Kashmir by Pak army, leading to exodus of the Kashmiri Pundits, further fueled bitterness among the two communities. Ever since the two communities have been living in mutual distrust and disharmony.
Babri Masjid and the events that followed in Gujarat have left an indelible scar on the relationship between the two communities. The Bombay misadventure, the Parliament attack and the regular intrusions by Pak elements, aided and abetted by fundamentalists living in India have only catalyzed the cause of further alienation of the community.
Christians have been increasing their numbers, by large scale conversion in the southern states and are backed by the Catholic Church rich with funds. However this largely gets any notice, compared to Muslim overtures of any kind to woo the Hindus drawing loud protests.
What if, the Imam’s plea is endorsed by the Muslims and in retribution the Hindus tend to polarize and support any rightwing party? India would further be weakened economically and would become a hotbed of internal strife.
Parties need to win elections, but at what cost? An average Indian is struggling to make both ends meet. Corruption, scams and inflation are having its impact on the growth of our nation. Can we not have an Indian Manifesto and shun religion and religious leaders in this greatest exercise of democracy?