For the people, all the people
The controversial affidavit on the Sethusamudram project filed by the Centre in the Supreme Court is a classic
case of the UPA handing over an issue to the BJP on a platter. And that, too, prior to what seems like a virtually
imminent mid-term parliamentary poll. The affidavit, inspired by a DMK minister in the cabinet and endorsed by
a senior legal functionary of the government, would have caused incalculable harm in the politically-surcharged
atmosphere but for the intervention of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.
Nonetheless, the manner in which the issue threatened to erupt into a major political debate should serve as a
wake-up call for the government. Common perception is that the UPA government is partisan and concerned
only with matters relating to minority communities. This needs to change. In fact, the need of the hour is to use
Indira Gandhi’s political strategy, and move the focus from caste and community to weaker sections and the
downtrodden.
The Congress and its allies need to understand that being secular is no different from addressing the concerns of
all communities, including Hindus. This would have the added advantage of preventing the BJP from projecting
itself as the voice of the majority community.
While the UPA may claim that it is already following this course, the fact is that the general public sees it as
pursuing the minority agenda at the expense of the majority community. At the same time, though, in most
elections, the Muslims seem to abandon the Congress and throw their weight behind leaders like Mulayam Singh
Yadav or Mayawati.
It is nobody’s case that the minority communities should be ignored and allowed to lead a life of neglect and
deprivation. It is the duty of any government in power to look into the welfare of all citizens. A government has to
treat all citizens as equals, irrespective of caste and community. In doing so, the emotions and religious sentiments
of all must be respected and their rights protected.
There are several instances when disrespect shown to a religious leader has led to a major furore within the same
community. For instance, when the Dera Sacha Sauda chief reportedly tried to wear a robe similar to the one
worn by the tenth Sikh guru, it evoked strong protests from the Sikhs. Any attempt to show Jesus Christ or
Prophet Mohammad in a controversial manner has often resulted in serious protests from Christians and Muslims
respectively. So the protests across the country on the Centre’s controversial affidavit is no surprise.
Nonetheless, the matter has also been contained because of the maturity shown by all sections of our people. All
important Muslim leaders supported the move to withdraw the affidavit as it hurt the sentiments of the Hindus. In
