The Hindu : A backward step

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Dec 19, 2002

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

A backward step

Sir, — The outcome of the Gujarat election is a matter of grave concern to all Indians who truly believe in secularism and communal harmony.

However, the result must be seen in the wider context of social harmony beyond the politics of vote. The BJP's victory seems to imply a growing support for `Hindutva' or Hindu fundamentalism among the common people, which I find disturbing.

Can this be interpreted as growing intolerance at a more fundamental level of our existence similar to the electoral victories of nationalistic and right wing forces in western Europe? I believe that this worldwide trend of narrow-mindedness is a step backwards for human development.

V. Srivastava,
Sheffield, U.K.

* * *

Sir, — The landslide victory of Mr. Modi in Gujarat might be a victory for the BJP but it is a loss for democracy. All that remains for saner citizens to do is to use the same democracy which enabled people like Mr. Modi to manipulate religious sentiments and turn it against him by convincing people to use their suffrage prudently.

This is not possible unless the people are given access to critical information about their candidates (viz., criminal records, asset details etc.). Unless these kinds of disclosure norms are institutionalised, the uneducated section of the Indian population is going to keep voting for parties based on its religious sensitivities.

Togy Jose,
Ernalulam

* * *

Sir, — I do hope Mr. Modi has not forgotten to thank ``Mian Musharraf'' for his spectacular victory — he must have invoked the General's name several times more than even that of Lord Ram.

Sunita Reddy,
Hyderabad

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Opinion

Stories in this Section