By Mohammed Naseeruddin for TwoCircles.net,
When Indian media paid no attention to the repercussions of Narendra Modi’s leadership, it was a section of international media which predicted, during the general election campaign, that if a hardcore Hindu nationalist like Modi became the Prime Minister of the most religiously diverse country of the world, Hindu nationalism and religious fanaticism would increase with strident anti-Muslim sentiments. This could lead to communal and ethnic violence, instability and catastrophic incidents. Are these dire predictions turning into a reality now?
It is apparent, in the last six months, that fanatical Hindutva forces are not leaving any stone unturned to spread religious hatred. They are distorting history to hurt the sentiments of Muslim, conducting forcible conversions and making highly provocative statements. One after the other, top leaders of Sangh Parivar are publicly saying “India is a Hindu Rashtra” and that they would convert all the Muslims and Christians to Hinduism before 2021.
This excessive intolerance and religious fanaticism of Sangh Parivar is not only derailing the development agenda of BJP-led NDA government, but also disturbing communal harmony too. This may lead to communal violence and lawlessness. The horrific events happening in Pakistan are chilling examples of devastating side- effects of religious fanaticism. India should learn a lesson and curb the activities of religious bigots. Otherwise, the situation here would resemble Pakistan if things go adrift, as it is happening in the last six months.
It is the duty of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to protect the nation from such forces. During the election campaign, Modi had claimed to be a Hindu nationalist, but after assuming the charge of Prime Minister’s post, he would no more be a Hindu nationalist, because irrespective of one’s political and religious background, when someone took oath on the Constitution, it is his duty to uphold the secular and plural credentials of this great country. Being a Prime Minister, he has to consolidate India and ensure safety and prosperity to the weaker and underprivileged section of our society.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has to show some courage and break his silence on the burning issues such as forcible conversions, divisive politics of Hindutva forces, love Jihad and the provocative statements of his cohorts. Exactly 14 months ago, while addressing his first rally in Kanpur after being nominated as BJP’s PM candidate, he urged countrymen to remove Congress from power and said “they have divided nation, parties, castes and their task is to break. We are seeking your support in the name of development. We want to take the nation to newer heights, for which we need to integrate nation not divide it.”
Moreover, in his attention-grabbing “India First” speech, Narendra Modi stressed upon the need for India to rise above politics of caste and religion and build a nation with equal participation of both Hindus and Muslims. He also emphasized the need to build his “new dream India” and added “most importantly, what we need to do is to make every Hindu a good Hindu, every Muslim a good Muslim, every Sikh a good Sikh, every Christian a good Christian and every Budhist a good Budhist; and then we must ensure that they all pitch in their energies together to build a good nation.”
On a final note, Narendra Modi and BJP have to think how can they develop a country with politics of hatred instead of politics of inclusive growth? How can they make India a global superpower without the support of 20% minorities of their own county? How can they promote foreign investment in India in an atmosphere of communal disturbances?
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(The author is Hyderabad-based multimedia & multilingual journo, writer & contributor to the Times of India; News Editor 4tv & Sr Reporter at Etemaad, Alumni of TRF & IVLP )
His works: http://naseergayas.blogspot.in/