CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: India, a land of diversity and secularism, has always cherished its cultural and religious pluralism. However, when religion becomes intertwined with politics, it raises critical questions about the direction of our democracy.
Recently, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reportedly devised a plan to mobilize 29,000 temples and their priests to secure support for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Simultaneously, priests have accused Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s government of favoring Muslim clerics while neglecting temples and their caretakers. This development sheds light on the growing role of religion in Indian politics and poses a vital question: Should the foundation of politics be development and policymaking, or religious polarization?
Religious Polarization vs. Development
The use of religion in electoral politics is not new. Political parties have often leveraged religious identities to garner votes. However, the BJP’s move to organize temple priests as part of a larger election strategy challenges the secular fabric of Indian democracy.
The allegation by priests that Kejriwal’s government prioritizes clerics over them might reflect a one-sided perspective. While such accusations could stem from political agendas, if there is truth in them, it is a cause for concern. Are governments truly impartial, or are they catering to specific religious communities for political gains?
The Growing Interference of Religion in Politics
If BJP’s strategy to utilize temples as an electoral tool is accurate, it signals a concerning trend. Temples, mosques, gurdwaras, or churches—these are meant to be spiritual and cultural symbols, not political tools. Using religion as a vote bank undermines the essence of both faith and democracy.
The Indian Constitution envisions a secular state where every religion is treated equally. When governments or political parties appear to favor one religion, it violates the very principles of secularism.
The Role of Citizens
The responsibility to uphold democracy does not lie solely with political leaders; it rests equally on the shoulders of the citizens. People must prioritize issues like development, education, healthcare, and employment over religious sentiments when voting.
Religion-based politics may bring short-term benefits to certain groups, but it weakens the nation in the long run. It is time for the electorate to rise above religious polarization and demand governance that focuses on inclusivity and progress.
Conclusion
India’s strength lies in its diversity. Dividing this diversity along religious lines for political gain is detrimental to the nation’s unity. Political parties must realize that while religion may fetch them temporary electoral victories, it creates deep societal divides.
Temples, mosques, gurdwaras, and churches are part of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Instead of being reduced to political tools, they should serve as symbols of unity and harmony.
A strong democracy can only be built when the fusion of religion and politics is eliminated, and people prioritize development over division. It is time to focus on issues that truly matter for the progress of the nation
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