Kumaraswamy’s attempt to discredit Ram temple fundraisers sets a dangerous precedent
It is the responsibility of every Indian to protect the secular credentials of our democracy. This duty becomes more significant if one holds a powerful position or is a public figure. No one should be allowed to erase the fine line separating religion from politics for the sake of vote bank or vested interest. Ironically, former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy appears to be least concerned about the consequences of demolishing this fragile boundary. In a brazen statement, he drew parallels between the Right-wing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the erstwhile Nazi Party of Germany, alleging that the donation collectors for the construction of Ram Mandir had been marking the houses of those who didn’t pay them money. He underlined that the act was similar to what the Nazis did during Adolf Hitler’s regime when lakhs of Jews were executed. Now, even if the volunteers are marking houses “illegally”, it is for the Government and the courts to decide. Of course, the Opposition has the right to raise an objection but it should be well-founded and justifiable, not like the one the former CM has raised. His claim reeks of petty politics which might rip apart the social fabric and potentially even plunge the society into a spate of communal violence.
At a time when the nation is still battling COVID-19, unemployment and economic slowdown, the politicians of all hues should exercise caution and avoid making statements that might lead to disturbance of any kind. The JD(S) leader’s utterances are a surefire recipe to fan unrest. The donation drive for the new temple facade is being undertaken across the nation, with fundraisers from the RSS, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and other Sangh affiliates going door to door. In their quest, they are reaching out to people even in pockets where the saffron brigade doesn’t enjoy significant support. It’s not hard to imagine how quickly matters can get out of hand if the residents of such localities turn up against these volunteers. It’s really awful that a seasoned politician like Kumaraswamy didn’t think twice before issuing such a foolhardy statement. With the fundraising drive slated to end on February 27, we can only hope that the state of affairs remains peaceful. However, with five key electoral battles ahead, including the one in politically sensitive West Bengal, there seems to be hardly anything “secular” in the statement made by the Janata Dal (Secular) leader.
