Those who preach politics of religious hatred have no right to be at the helm

Even as India, the world's largest functioning democracy, prepares for elections a new trend seems to be enveloping the country: the politics of division along religious lines.

Being Indian has got absolutely nothing to do with an individual's religious beliefs but violence against the minorities has steadily scaled upwards in recent times.

It is no coincidence that such acts, which must be strongly condemned, are taking place as the country prepares to go to the polls. And those who are propagating this trend are hoping to cash in on a select votebank - making a political profit through religious polarisation.

Those who are orchestrating such acts have no right to speak on behalf of any religion, or alter the rich and diverse fabric of Indian civilisation. India was founded on tolerance and secularism. Those who preach any other alternative doctrine in the search for votes should not be given the right to govern.