O Secularism, Where art Thou?

BJP, an open supporter of Hindutva and Hindu religion, coming to power at the Centre with thumping majority; AIMIM’s stunning performance in Maharashtra and the fall of Congress and Left; these instances make us ask questions: aren’t Indians anymore proud of our ‘unity in diversity’? Is it the end of ‘secular’ politics in India?

With the simple promise of honestly representing Muslim aspirations in the legislature, AIMIM was able to win two, come second in three seats and third in nine in the Maharashtra elections where it contested only in 24 seats with Muslim prominence. This came as a shock to all secular parties as Muslim votes form a major share for them. If AIMIM’s policies of expansion towards Delhi, UP and Bengal succeeds, it’s a concern of great significance to these secular parties.

Moreover, such an expansion if at all succeeds, holds great threats to the integrity of the nation, primarily because the nation would be once again divided on the basis of religion, the Hindus supporting BJP and the Muslims supporting AIMIM, and that such a divide would only prove catastrophic is already proved by the history.

As citizens of India and lovers of humanity, it is our responsibility to stop such a progress of events. The onus is on the secular parties like Congress and the Left to build up their bases once again and to lead the nation away from such perils before it is too late.