By Mayank Jain:
Mudslinging in politics is not new and quite the norm to gain an extra vote bank or two, but defaming other communities is not warranted. The elections are a pressurized time, but RSS and VHP appear to be fighting for something else completely: Hindu domination. The recent events which include hate speeches in dozens, protests and histrionics on the road to disapprove Muslims and their existence as equal citizens in the country, reek of intolerance and religious extremism that India’s secular constitution never justifies.
Praveen Togadia, President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad has landed in another duel with the Muslims and this time, he doesn’t want them to take hold of properties in Bhavnagar area. He was protesting against the purchase of a house by a Muslim businessman and breathed fire in his hate speech that in itself is a study, when it come to intolerance:
“If he does not relent, go with stones, tyres and tomatoes to his office. There is nothing wrong in it. Killers of Rajiv Gandhi have not been hanged … there is nothing to fear and the case will go on,” he told the frantic protestors who gave only 48 hours to the Muslim occupant to vacate the house.
VHP and RSS have been trying to bring the Disturbed Areas Act in Bhavnagar, which can prevent inter-community sale of immovable property. The reasoning behind this is to stop Muslims from taking control over the community and subsequently, the country. He wants the supporters to just take control of the properties and put up Bajrang Dal boards there and let the cases go on since he is sure that nothing can harm the organization. “I have done it in the past and Muslims have lost both property and money,” he said.
It is to be noted that RSS and VHP are ideological mentors of the right wing party BJP and such instances that are happening around the country only instil fear in us, and not just Muslims, about the hatred for one community that we might end up breeding. The country is on the brink of a revolution and if the catharsis happens on religious terms then it might transform the fate of this country forever.
Hate speeches against a community have no place in a participative democracy that treats all its citizens equally. Religious extremism and excessive focus on protecting Hindus from Muslim domination is paranoia at its worst. The Election Commission, however has decided to take a look at the footage of the speech and police investigation is expected to follow.
Meanwhile, another BJP member Giriraj Singh from Bihar has reiterated his stand that Modi critics won’t have a place in India. He emphasized that Pakistan is the place for people who oppose Modi.
Also, RSS has denied that Praveen Togadia made the hate speech. It is clear how short sighted these actions and reactions are. The religious extremists are assuming everyone to be as forgetful and ignorant as they are.
Should we all bow down and let hatred fill the nation up to the brim? Are we ready to make a choice and stand up for all of us?