The Hindu : Secularists' failure

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 25, 2002

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Secularists' failure

Sir, — Your editorial `Ban the VHP and Bajrang Dal' (March 19) demands forthrightly that the two outfits be outlawed for their devastating and destructive challenge to national unity. In fact, the top men of these organisations and their supporters and admirers in the Government and elsewhere have brought instability and shame to the country and its ethos.

By confusing the ignoramus middle classes through their widespread engagement in the form of Sanskrit conversation classes, promotion of mob religion and clamorous rituals, the VHP and other organisations have gained popular acceptance.

Lack of perspectival thinking among the educated sections and the whispering campaign indulged in by these outfits have sought to communalise the Indian psyche.

Unfortunately, the secular forces in Indian politics have not gained in moral authority, farsightedness and democratic vision to combat <170>the evil of communalism and divisive politics.

M.V. Sridhara,
Mysore

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