The dwindling number of Muslim MLAs in the nine BJP-ruled states apart from the lowest-ever number of MPs in the Parliament is posing challenge to India’s secular ethos. Political representation is the key to empowerment of the nation as a whole. That was the reason why Gandhiji supported the Khilafat Movement and roped in a young Maulana Azad to head the Indian National Congress to steer the freedom struggle. One can still argue that it was an ‘appeasement’ by the Mahatma, but didn’t such gestures avert the possibility of many Muslims getting disenchanted with the Independence movement? It is high time our political leaders realised that consolidation of votes on religious lines is an obstacle to inclusive democracy.
Syed Sultan Mohiddin
Kadapa, A.P.
Less Merit, More Electoral Strategy
The recent cabinet reshuffle has been packaged with some merit and strategy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has prepared the new team that he can use at the time of assembly elections in those states. Some with merit, some with caste equations, while some of them appointed to maintain regional balance. The most beneficiary states were Uttar Pradesh and Bihar where the BJP is trying to expand its base in upcoming assembly elections. Of all selections many doubt the selection of Giriraj Singh as to what motivated our Prime Minister to choose him and where will he fit him as he is popularly known for his hate speeches and seldom talk of development.
Asif Ismail
Katihar, Bihar
Rhetoric Behind Cleanliness Drive
This refers to article published in Radiance (9-15 November) under heading, “Islam on Cleanliness” by Obaidur Rahman Nadwi. No doubt Swatch Bharat Mission in literal sense is a noble idea but the intension looks like purely political as many believe that behind the Swatch Bharat Mission there was a hidden motive and that was to overshadow the symbolism of Aam Aadmi Party and to some extent the BJP has been successful. Once, Muslim face of the party, Shazia Ilmi, is now Swatch Bharat Mission campaign ambassador. Most of the people are only interested to have a photo session and less concerned about its nature and purpose. No doubt our religion has emphasised on cleanliness but that cleanliness must not be confined to sanitation and hygiene but also extend to cleanliness and purity of heart, mind and soul. People even by not spitting on the streets and throwing filth can contribute to such cleanliness drive.
Ismail Akhter
Noida
Vulgar Way of Protesting a Vulgar Action
Nowadays, mainstream media is busy to highlight a nationwide campaign “Kiss of Love” organised by Leftists against ‘moral policing’ of fascists. Here action and reaction both can’t be justified on any base. On one hand, fascists’ vandalism and moral policing is threat to our society, on the other hand, the “Kiss of Love” campaign is also not beneficial for social values. But the point is that what will be the impact of the “Kiss of Love” campaign? Will the Fascists stop from moral policing? The protest should be in a way that can prevent the opponents from the action.
Khaleeq Anjum
Bhopal