India at crossroads

India appears to be entering a new age of hypocrisy. Some political parties seem to be exploiting the religious sentiments of certain sections of the vulnerable masses. One honestly feels that the new trend will affect the smooth functioning of democratic institutions in the country. There has been always continuity in the growth of functioning democracy in India.

The BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) has been in power long enough for the Indians to see and understand the gap between their words and deeds. Using religion for petty political purposes is a national crime. The ruling party seems to be allowing it with gay abandon. Never in history, has India faced such a hassle. Our leaders at the helm seem to be after power by hook or by crook. They stand condemned by history.

A section of the ruling party has been trying to force upon the masses, the concept of nationalism. Its effects were indeed disastrous. Nationalism cannot be and should not be injected into the minds of the masses. The mixing of religion with politics, which is taking place in India with disturbing regularity, is pretty dangerous for the progress of democracy. Democracy is the basic concept of the Indian political system. The communal elements in BJP have started threatening people with dire consequences and this amounts to regulating and even denying freedom of expression guaranteed in the Indian constitution. The government is not taking any action against these elements. Indian nationalism cannot be equated with Hindutva or Hindu nationalism. The ethos of Indian culture should be the measuring rod of its nationalistic spirit as well.

- The reader is based in Kerala, India