India as a country faces numerous problems from different corners. But the biggest threat it faces is the siege both from within and without—from religious and political fundamentalists who are out to destroy India’s multicultural ethos. The last few months has seen the resurgence of parochial politics courtesy the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra. In the name of marathi pride, cadres of the Shiv Sena have laid siege on Mumbai by creating fear psychosis in the minds of ordinary people. Even national icons like Sachin Tendulkar, Mukesh Ambani and Shahrukh Khan have been targeted because they have not subscribed to the parochialism of parties like the Shiv Sena. Similar kind of parties exist in India today—those who believe in divisive and xenophobic politics. This is a big threat to the Indian State. Then there are the religious outfits that are no better. Recently, the global terror network Al Qaeda’s Pakistan arm warned of attacks in India, particularly targeting upcoming international sports events like the Commonwealth Games, the Hockey World Cup and the IPL cricket league. There is a famous saying that “men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction”. How true this must be with the behavior of such extremists whether Hindus, Muslims or Christians who are out to promote a culture of violence, fear and intolerance.
Therefore whether it is the terrorists or political extremists their sole aim is to pit one community against another and create fear and distrust. There is a systematic effort to spread communal disharmony and conflict. The greatest danger therefore for mankind is the so called fundamentalists. In their minds, if you are not for them, you are against them. Their strategy is to polarise opinion, so that the middle ground, where dialogue is possible, collapses. In such a scenario it is incumbent on the Indian State to help and strengthen the moderating voices or in other words to help prevent the middle ground from shrinking further. The response of some of the major political parties has been in most cases muted. They have failed to condemn or take action against such elements that are attacking the values and ethos that the country stands for. This is a serious breach of trust on the part of the political establishment and must be corrected so that peaceful and obedient citizens do not lose faith in the system. The politics of hate pursued by such people is aimed at undoing the traditions of secularism and democracy that are embedded in the constitution. Wherever such kind of elements exists they should by now realize that the citizen and public at large have different aspirations: It wants the politics of development, not the politics of hate. The political parties should create the space for dialogue and rule of law rather than stimulating and supporting such forces. Democracy, federalism, tolerance and secular character of the state must be upheld at all cost.
