MODI, BJP AND ELECTIONS 2014

24 JUN 2012

If several Hindus of Gujarat – and some outside – vote for Narendra Modi, despite the serious charges levied against him on all the counts that his acolytes praise him for [pro-development, pro-poor, clean, far-sighted, humane etc] by the senior leaders of BJP, one can ask them, why? Why go for a questionable character whom Muslims hate en-masse?

From actors, to writers to common men who praise this man happen to share one characteristic unfailingly: hatred for Muslims.

Try naming a dozen achievers who have worked for Muslim inclusion, if not amelioration, and also praise Narendra Modi.

Now, if Modi-lovers want him as India’s Prime Minister, clearly they do not wish Muslims well, do not care about their sensitivities. Then, why should Muslims care about them? And accept such a person as the country’s Prime Minister? Why not launch a civil disobedience movement against him?

One strongly feels that Modi’s assumption of that office would launch a thousand mutinies, and no one can honestly fault the mutineers.

As the UPA continues to take beating, as of now, it appears plausible that BJP may emerge the largest party and this man be installed at its helm.

All valuers of humanism, secularism and national integration would do well to both thwart this possibility and also to be better prepared to face the consequences. One deal that appears politically sensible for negotiation with BJP is to demand that it publicly commits to the setting up of a Non-discrimination Commission and an Equal Opportunities Commission in the first month of its assumption of power. Eminent citizens of India may open a public debate with BJP along these lines.

Your comments for, against or about this suggestion, please?