Congress and BJP are marginal political entities in UP. Despite UP being the largest state of India and politically most important that alone sends 80 Lok Sabha members, the ruling and the opposition political parties- Congress and BJP- of the nation have remained marginal forces in the state. These two are making only tall claims. Though they may claim of their victory in the assembly elections of Uttar Pradesh, they are only going to increase their vote percentage and nothing more than that.
Congress party had made remarkable turn around in its fortune in UP in the last Lok Sabha elections in which it won 21 Lok Sabha seats while it has been out power in the state for the last 20 years. The credit of improving the position in Lok Sabha goes to Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi MP who had campaigned very hard in the state during Lok Sabha elections. This time Congress has aligned with Ajit Singh’s INLD to improve prospects in some of the Jat dominated assembly constituencies of western UP.
Rahul Gandhi has been vigorously campaigning for his party in the assembly elections. He has been electioneering for the last two months continuously for the party in the state. In absence of any leader of stature in the state to lead the Congress party and due to the dilapidated condition of the party organization, the hard labour put in by Rahul Gandhi is not going to yield expected results.
To retrieve its pre-eminence, Congress Party will have to groom a leader in the state to lead the party from the front and overhaul the organizational bodies from state capital to the village level. UP Congress leaders fail to convert the crowd at Rahul election meetings into votes.
As far as BJP is concerned, it is no better. It has almost become faceless in UP. State party leaders do not see eye to eye that has weakened the party very badly; however, the state had played the most vital role in bringing the BJP on the centre stage of power. It is the credit of UP that BJP-led NDA got power at the Centre in 1998. It is because of the failure of state leaders that national leadership had to bring fiery Uma Bharti to take charge in UP elections. But this is also not going to catapult the party anywhere near power. Despite tall claims, the BJP is also not going to do more than slightly improve the vote percentage in the assembly elections.
The battle of UP is mainly between the ruling BSP and the opposition Samajwadi Party. Both have secured vote banks. Yadavas , some section of Muslim voters, some backward castes and some of the upper castes are secured voters of Mulayam Singh’s Samajwadi Party. Scheduled caste in entirety, some sections of Muslims, Majority of OBCs and some upper caste votes are secured for Chief Minister Mayawati’s BSP. Chief Minister Mayawati is also facing anti-incumbency hurdle in her way to return to power. The fight for the seat of power in Uttar Pradesh is between Mayawati and Mulayam Singh Yadav, though the outcome will be a hung assembly and marginal political forces will take sides in formation of government to promote their interest.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Take pledge to abide by Republic
We are celebrating 63 rd Republic Day with all pomp and show. We became Republic on January 26, 1950. It means a political system or form of government in which people elect representatives to exercise power for them. We celebrate Republic Day every year since January 26, 1950 on this day.
On this auspicious Day, we display our military prowess and assess our military strength in the presence of the supreme commander of our army the President of India. It shows how hard our military personnel of all the three wings of our army keep vigil on the nation to keep its unity and integrity intact. The display of our military prowess on Republic Day shows that if ever the enemy cast its eyes on us, we are prepared to give befitting reply.
Our Constitution was implemented on January 26, 1950 and we became a republic. It establishes the rule of law and vests sovereignty in the people of India. Our Constitution bestows on every citizen of India the right to franchise i.e. right to vote after attaining the age of 18 years. Our fundamental right is enshrined in our constitution. It is a rule book by which our elected representatives exercise power for us.
Our Constitution makers have kept the interest of every citizen of India safe and intact. Our Constitution is considered to be the best in the world. It is because all the best features from the constitution of different countries of the world have been incorporated in our constitution.
Republic Day must make all the political representatives aware of their constitutional responsibility and they must adhere to the rule of law without violation of any constitutional norms. They must also take pledge to keep the interest and feeling of every community of India intact.
Constitution has given us right to free speech. On the one hand we celebrate 63rd Republic Day with gusto and enthusiasm, the world renowned writer of Indian origin Salman Rushdie has not even been allowed to address the distinguished literary gathering at Jaipur Literary Festival being held in Jaipur. The international literary award winning writer was first opposed to participate in the literary festival by top Islamic seminary Darool Uloom of Deoband because his book The Satanic Verses has been alleged to have blasphemous content towards Islam. Though the book had already been banned in India in 1989 just a year after its publication, the right to expression has been choked at world famous Jaipur Literary Festival under pressure from a community in pursuit of getting its vote in the elections. The essence of our Republic has been crushed by none other than our elected representatives who are in power in Rajasthan. Rushdie had to cancel his address to Jaipur Literary Festival through video link because of the inability of the Rajasthan Government to provide security at the festival venue. This type of incident where right to speech is throttled under the pressure of vote bank politics completely violates the right which we have got the day we became Republic. We must pledge on 63rd Republic Day to abide by our Constitution in all matters of affairs.
On this auspicious Day, we display our military prowess and assess our military strength in the presence of the supreme commander of our army the President of India. It shows how hard our military personnel of all the three wings of our army keep vigil on the nation to keep its unity and integrity intact. The display of our military prowess on Republic Day shows that if ever the enemy cast its eyes on us, we are prepared to give befitting reply.
Our Constitution was implemented on January 26, 1950 and we became a republic. It establishes the rule of law and vests sovereignty in the people of India. Our Constitution bestows on every citizen of India the right to franchise i.e. right to vote after attaining the age of 18 years. Our fundamental right is enshrined in our constitution. It is a rule book by which our elected representatives exercise power for us.
Our Constitution makers have kept the interest of every citizen of India safe and intact. Our Constitution is considered to be the best in the world. It is because all the best features from the constitution of different countries of the world have been incorporated in our constitution.
Republic Day must make all the political representatives aware of their constitutional responsibility and they must adhere to the rule of law without violation of any constitutional norms. They must also take pledge to keep the interest and feeling of every community of India intact.
Constitution has given us right to free speech. On the one hand we celebrate 63rd Republic Day with gusto and enthusiasm, the world renowned writer of Indian origin Salman Rushdie has not even been allowed to address the distinguished literary gathering at Jaipur Literary Festival being held in Jaipur. The international literary award winning writer was first opposed to participate in the literary festival by top Islamic seminary Darool Uloom of Deoband because his book The Satanic Verses has been alleged to have blasphemous content towards Islam. Though the book had already been banned in India in 1989 just a year after its publication, the right to expression has been choked at world famous Jaipur Literary Festival under pressure from a community in pursuit of getting its vote in the elections. The essence of our Republic has been crushed by none other than our elected representatives who are in power in Rajasthan. Rushdie had to cancel his address to Jaipur Literary Festival through video link because of the inability of the Rajasthan Government to provide security at the festival venue. This type of incident where right to speech is throttled under the pressure of vote bank politics completely violates the right which we have got the day we became Republic. We must pledge on 63rd Republic Day to abide by our Constitution in all matters of affairs.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
India’s concern over development in Afghanistan
US backed peace talks with ousted and out-lawed Taliban, who represent the dark forces of terrorism, are a matter of serious concern for India. It is not surprising if we look back at the development in Afghanistan when the Taliban were nursed and nurtured by the US for driving Russian troops out of the country 70s. Finally, Russians troops were pulled out of Afghanistan and Taliban emerged at the centre stage of power there. Ultimately, Taliban also turned the US that resulted in the tragedy of 9/11. After 9/11, the US had to declare unilateral war against Taliban in Afghanistan and throw them out of power and the country. But it failed to wipe out the last vestiges of Taliban.
Taliban had taken strong root in Afghanistan mainly because of the support they enjoyed from the US. When the US finally failed to finish Taliban in Afghanistan and they started resurfacing with doubly force, it is offering them the olive branch. It is only inviting bigger danger to peace and security in the region. US must not forget that Taliban are like serpents. They bite first who offer them milk their favourite drink.
If the US backed peace talks with Taliban get success, the phase of terrorism not only in Afghanistan but also in the entire region would resurface. India is rightly concerned over the development in Afghanistan and has asked the US to take cautious approach in dealing with Taliban. India and the US are the champions of democracy. So, they are natural allies. They have also close friendship and both want development, peace and stability in Afghanistan.
At the cost of human lives and economy, India has undertaken a massive exercise for the reconstruction of Afghanistan. With the resurfacing of Taliban openly through the US-backed peace talks there, India will be greatly concerned over the increase of terror activities in the region. India’s interest in Afghanistan as a friendly neighbour will be hurt with the rise of Taliban again in Afghanistan.
US as a friend of India must not back any talk of peace with Taliban in Afghanistan. The purpose of establishing peace can not be achieved with the inclusion of the party, which stands discredited. It is certainly going to be a futile exercise. Taliban are the enemy of peace, harmony and amity. Any talk of peace with them will be treated as the US defeat.
US must stand firm in the interest of peace, stability, democracy and development. Any leverage to Taliban will destroy all the efforts to reconstruct Afghanistan. Though India also believes that finally the lasting peace lies in political settlement, the time is not ripe for starting talks with Taliban. On account of the geo-strategic importance of Afghanistan, India would not approve of any talks with dark forces of terrorism that pose security threat to it. US must take serious note of India’s concern over development in Afghanistan. India's total assistance totaling to Afghanistan so far has been over USD 2 billion, which has been guided by the priorities of the Afghan government and people.
Taliban had taken strong root in Afghanistan mainly because of the support they enjoyed from the US. When the US finally failed to finish Taliban in Afghanistan and they started resurfacing with doubly force, it is offering them the olive branch. It is only inviting bigger danger to peace and security in the region. US must not forget that Taliban are like serpents. They bite first who offer them milk their favourite drink.
If the US backed peace talks with Taliban get success, the phase of terrorism not only in Afghanistan but also in the entire region would resurface. India is rightly concerned over the development in Afghanistan and has asked the US to take cautious approach in dealing with Taliban. India and the US are the champions of democracy. So, they are natural allies. They have also close friendship and both want development, peace and stability in Afghanistan.
At the cost of human lives and economy, India has undertaken a massive exercise for the reconstruction of Afghanistan. With the resurfacing of Taliban openly through the US-backed peace talks there, India will be greatly concerned over the increase of terror activities in the region. India’s interest in Afghanistan as a friendly neighbour will be hurt with the rise of Taliban again in Afghanistan.
US as a friend of India must not back any talk of peace with Taliban in Afghanistan. The purpose of establishing peace can not be achieved with the inclusion of the party, which stands discredited. It is certainly going to be a futile exercise. Taliban are the enemy of peace, harmony and amity. Any talk of peace with them will be treated as the US defeat.
US must stand firm in the interest of peace, stability, democracy and development. Any leverage to Taliban will destroy all the efforts to reconstruct Afghanistan. Though India also believes that finally the lasting peace lies in political settlement, the time is not ripe for starting talks with Taliban. On account of the geo-strategic importance of Afghanistan, India would not approve of any talks with dark forces of terrorism that pose security threat to it. US must take serious note of India’s concern over development in Afghanistan. India's total assistance totaling to Afghanistan so far has been over USD 2 billion, which has been guided by the priorities of the Afghan government and people.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Team Anna must seek clarification
Team Anna must campaign in poll bound states to uncover all the political parties equally in regards to containing corruption. It has rightly sought clarifications from all the major political parties on their role on Lokpal Bill during discussion and debate in Parliament. Almost all political parties across the party line are neck-deep in corruption. The question here is that it is a very difficult task to single out the most corrupt. All have to be targeted by Team Anna among the electorates. Team Anna must appeal to the electorates during their campaign to give their votes to those candidates who have clean image and social service record irrespective of political parties.
Team Anna has rightly written letters to Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress General Secretary and MP Rahul Gandhi, BJP President Nitin Gadkari, BSP supremo and UP Chief Minister Mayawati and Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav to clarify their stand on Lokpal Bill. The way they spoke outside the Parliament and the way they acted inside both Houses in different mode made it amply clear that no political leaders sincerely wanted to pass the anti-graft Lokpal Bill. They were only enacting drama. Even the main opposition party BJP’s action did not support their pledge for supporting Team Anna on the issue of anti-corruption Lokpal Bill.
Team Anna is prepared to campaign in some of the poll bound states for anti-graft Lokpal. They are doing the right job by enlightening the electorates about the importance of their votes. The right to vote is very precious. Team Anna must appeal to voters not to come under the influence of caste, community and muscle power. They should give vote to the candidate on the basis of honesty and clean image.
Team Anna is doing the right thing in a right way in parliamentary form of government. They are required to impress up on the people in an apolitical way. All political parties are tarred with the same brush of corruption. None of them has come forward sincerely in support of the strong Lokpal Bill in its entirety.
Politically, Uttar Pradesh is the most important state of India. Assembly elections are also going to be held there along with four other states. Its results will decide the nature of government at the Centre to be formed after Lok Sabha elections in 2014. As far as the issue of corruption is concerned, charges against the Mayawati government are also numerous. How Mulayam Singh and BJP Governments functioned in the past during their tenure should also be brought out before the people by Team Anna. They should also tell how casual and non serious in practice they are about the Lokpal. Because in the last 21 years, there have been rules of Mulayam Singh Yadav of Samajwadi Party, BJP and Mayawati of BSP in Uttar Pradesh. So, if the Team Anna holds that Congress has bigger responsibility to pass the strong Lokpal Bill because of its being in power at the Centre, they should also canvass among the electorates of UP about the roles played by all other opposition parties. The more they are apolitical, the more would be listened sincerely during their campaign.
Team Anna must understand that no political leaders across the party line would ever like any body to control and keep supervision on their functioning.
Team Anna has rightly written letters to Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress General Secretary and MP Rahul Gandhi, BJP President Nitin Gadkari, BSP supremo and UP Chief Minister Mayawati and Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav to clarify their stand on Lokpal Bill. The way they spoke outside the Parliament and the way they acted inside both Houses in different mode made it amply clear that no political leaders sincerely wanted to pass the anti-graft Lokpal Bill. They were only enacting drama. Even the main opposition party BJP’s action did not support their pledge for supporting Team Anna on the issue of anti-corruption Lokpal Bill.
Team Anna is prepared to campaign in some of the poll bound states for anti-graft Lokpal. They are doing the right job by enlightening the electorates about the importance of their votes. The right to vote is very precious. Team Anna must appeal to voters not to come under the influence of caste, community and muscle power. They should give vote to the candidate on the basis of honesty and clean image.
Team Anna is doing the right thing in a right way in parliamentary form of government. They are required to impress up on the people in an apolitical way. All political parties are tarred with the same brush of corruption. None of them has come forward sincerely in support of the strong Lokpal Bill in its entirety.
Politically, Uttar Pradesh is the most important state of India. Assembly elections are also going to be held there along with four other states. Its results will decide the nature of government at the Centre to be formed after Lok Sabha elections in 2014. As far as the issue of corruption is concerned, charges against the Mayawati government are also numerous. How Mulayam Singh and BJP Governments functioned in the past during their tenure should also be brought out before the people by Team Anna. They should also tell how casual and non serious in practice they are about the Lokpal. Because in the last 21 years, there have been rules of Mulayam Singh Yadav of Samajwadi Party, BJP and Mayawati of BSP in Uttar Pradesh. So, if the Team Anna holds that Congress has bigger responsibility to pass the strong Lokpal Bill because of its being in power at the Centre, they should also canvass among the electorates of UP about the roles played by all other opposition parties. The more they are apolitical, the more would be listened sincerely during their campaign.
Team Anna must understand that no political leaders across the party line would ever like any body to control and keep supervision on their functioning.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Pak Govt avoids confrontation with military
It is a foregone conclusion that the civilian government of Pakistan can not antagonize its military establishment. It avoided confrontation with its military. Pak leadership of the democratically elected government can not have the influence so strong and abiding on the people of Pakistan that it could draw strength from them. Its leadership is itself on week wickets. That is why it had to back track after asserting for a few days because of the eruption of Memogate scandal over its military.
Pakistan military has always enjoyed strong backing from the hardliner section among the people. The Pakistan government has no intention of taking any action against army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, the country's top law officer informed the Supreme Court against the backdrop of a standoff between the civil administration and the military.
Pak military can not remain aloof from the activity of the government. It has strong say, especially, in the formulation of policies in regard to India. Pak-India relation occupies the major portion of Pak foreign relations. Pakistan Government can not take any decision in relation to India without taking into confidence its military leadership. And it is because of this that despite making serious effort by the civilian governments of both the neighbouring countries, relations between the two have never been smooth and friendly.
The importance of the army in Pakistan can be gauged from the fact that even the judiciary leans favourably towards it. Pak Chief Justice has directed the Attorney General to seek instructions from the government and to file a reply on the matter in two weeks. The Chief Justice further observed that the situation should "move towards an improvement". The Prime Minister had recently sacked Lodhi, a confidant of the army chief, on charges of gross misconduct and creating misunderstandings between the government and the military. Lodhi has challenged his dismissal in court, saying he was given no opportunity to explain his position.
The institution of army in Pakistan also occupies the most important place in the country. Though the Attorney General Anwar-ul-Haq has informed a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry of the government's position while responding to a petition that had asked the apex court to restrain the civilian administration from taking any action against the army chief, it clearly reflects the leniency of judiciary towards the military establishment of Pakistan.
If the Pak military had been subservient to the civilian government, terrorism and militancy would not have come up on this scale there to create violence and disturbance in the neighbouring country. Terrorism had not been made the instrument of state policy in Pakistan at the behest of its army in regard to India. Why did memo gate sandal take place in Pakistan after the killing of Osama bin Laden? Because the Pak civilian government of Asif Ali Zardari sent message to US through his missive to rein in military as it ignores its order. It is because of the shelter provided by Pak military to Osama bin Laden that he was living in Abbotabad where he was killed. Pak civilian government has no guts to go against the wishes and desire of its military. Pak army has stronger say in any matter of the nation than its civilian government.
Pakistan military has always enjoyed strong backing from the hardliner section among the people. The Pakistan government has no intention of taking any action against army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, the country's top law officer informed the Supreme Court against the backdrop of a standoff between the civil administration and the military.
Pak military can not remain aloof from the activity of the government. It has strong say, especially, in the formulation of policies in regard to India. Pak-India relation occupies the major portion of Pak foreign relations. Pakistan Government can not take any decision in relation to India without taking into confidence its military leadership. And it is because of this that despite making serious effort by the civilian governments of both the neighbouring countries, relations between the two have never been smooth and friendly.
The importance of the army in Pakistan can be gauged from the fact that even the judiciary leans favourably towards it. Pak Chief Justice has directed the Attorney General to seek instructions from the government and to file a reply on the matter in two weeks. The Chief Justice further observed that the situation should "move towards an improvement". The Prime Minister had recently sacked Lodhi, a confidant of the army chief, on charges of gross misconduct and creating misunderstandings between the government and the military. Lodhi has challenged his dismissal in court, saying he was given no opportunity to explain his position.
The institution of army in Pakistan also occupies the most important place in the country. Though the Attorney General Anwar-ul-Haq has informed a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry of the government's position while responding to a petition that had asked the apex court to restrain the civilian administration from taking any action against the army chief, it clearly reflects the leniency of judiciary towards the military establishment of Pakistan.
If the Pak military had been subservient to the civilian government, terrorism and militancy would not have come up on this scale there to create violence and disturbance in the neighbouring country. Terrorism had not been made the instrument of state policy in Pakistan at the behest of its army in regard to India. Why did memo gate sandal take place in Pakistan after the killing of Osama bin Laden? Because the Pak civilian government of Asif Ali Zardari sent message to US through his missive to rein in military as it ignores its order. It is because of the shelter provided by Pak military to Osama bin Laden that he was living in Abbotabad where he was killed. Pak civilian government has no guts to go against the wishes and desire of its military. Pak army has stronger say in any matter of the nation than its civilian government.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Heavy blow to Modi Govt
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra tried to shatter all constitutional machineries and establish himself as invincible, but the verdict of High Court in regard to the appointment of Lokayukta is a serious setback to him. By upholding the appointment of Gujarat Lokayukta R A Mehta by the Governor Kamla Beniwal, Gujarat High Court has given the right and welcome verdict. HC has dismissed the plea of the state challenging it.
The post of Lokayukta had been lying vacant in Gujarat for the last 8 years because of the dilly-dallying tactics of the Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
This is a serious setback for Narendra Modi Government. The Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court had sent the name of retired justice to appoint Lokayukta but Modi government did not accept the name for the post.
The deadlock with the Chief Justice was deliberately created by Chief Minister Narendra Modi because he in the capacity of the CM of state thought himself to be the law unto himself. He tried to undermine Chief Justice and it appeared that he thought to be accountable to none.
It seems that the power has blinded CM to reasoning and he appears to have lost the sense of reasoning and logical thinking. He describes the interference of Governor as a Congress conspiracy because of its being power at the Centre. When the deadlock arose between Chief Justice and Chief Minister over the appointment of Lokayukta, Governor in the capacity of constitutional representative of the Centre had rightly stepped in to appoint Lokayukta. Under the given circumstances when the intention of the Council of Ministers appeared to be suspect, Governor’s action is constitutionally valid in restoring the primacy of judiciary by appointing judiciary without their aid and advice.
Lokayukta in the state is appointed to rein in corruption. Modi Government had no Lokayukta for last eight years. If the Modi government has nothing to fear, why had it been deliberately lingering the process of the appointment of Lokayukta in the state? Now with upholding of the appointment of Lokayukta R A Mehta by HC, why is CM Narendra Modi opposed to him and has moved to the Supreme Court against High Court? Mehta is a retired justice and of impeccable integrity and honesty.
The unfolding political war of words between Congress and BJP over Lokayukta and Lokpal is going to be everlasting. Finally, as far as the issue of corruption is concerned, both the political parties have same line of action against corruption. The Gujarat High Court, in a majority decision has upheld the appointment of Lokayukta by the Governor.
The post of Lokayukta had been lying vacant in Gujarat for the last 8 years because of the dilly-dallying tactics of the Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
This is a serious setback for Narendra Modi Government. The Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court had sent the name of retired justice to appoint Lokayukta but Modi government did not accept the name for the post.
The deadlock with the Chief Justice was deliberately created by Chief Minister Narendra Modi because he in the capacity of the CM of state thought himself to be the law unto himself. He tried to undermine Chief Justice and it appeared that he thought to be accountable to none.
It seems that the power has blinded CM to reasoning and he appears to have lost the sense of reasoning and logical thinking. He describes the interference of Governor as a Congress conspiracy because of its being power at the Centre. When the deadlock arose between Chief Justice and Chief Minister over the appointment of Lokayukta, Governor in the capacity of constitutional representative of the Centre had rightly stepped in to appoint Lokayukta. Under the given circumstances when the intention of the Council of Ministers appeared to be suspect, Governor’s action is constitutionally valid in restoring the primacy of judiciary by appointing judiciary without their aid and advice.
Lokayukta in the state is appointed to rein in corruption. Modi Government had no Lokayukta for last eight years. If the Modi government has nothing to fear, why had it been deliberately lingering the process of the appointment of Lokayukta in the state? Now with upholding of the appointment of Lokayukta R A Mehta by HC, why is CM Narendra Modi opposed to him and has moved to the Supreme Court against High Court? Mehta is a retired justice and of impeccable integrity and honesty.
The unfolding political war of words between Congress and BJP over Lokayukta and Lokpal is going to be everlasting. Finally, as far as the issue of corruption is concerned, both the political parties have same line of action against corruption. The Gujarat High Court, in a majority decision has upheld the appointment of Lokayukta by the Governor.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Keep literature festival above controversy
The world famous Jaipur Literature Festival scheduled to be held from Jan 20 to 25. The festival must go on without any controversy. The participation of world famous author Salman Rushdie is opposed by a community because of his book The Satanic Verses, which is alleged to contain blasphemous content. The book has already been banned in India.
The Satanic Verses was published in 1988. Rushdie is a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) and the government cannot prevent him from coming to India.
The Satanic Verses had sparked outrage in the Muslim world and a fatwa was issue against the writer Salman Rushdie by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the Supreme Leader of Iran, on 14th February, 1989.
Salman Rushdie has penned several world renowned novels. As he is a person of Indian origin, he needs no visa to travel India. The top Islamic seminary Darool Uloom of Deoband has demanded that the Indian Government must not allow Salman Rushdie to come India to participate in Jaipur Literature Festival. Muslim community and its religious leaders have every right to oppose his views, which he has expressed in the novel.
Salman Rushdie in the capacity of an author also must not be punished for expressing his views, which he considers to be his thinking and feelings, in Satanic Verses.
In a secular democratic country like India where there is a freedom of expression, no one must be threatened to be physically eliminated for his views. Though his views must be opposed if they hurt the feeling any community or individual, he must not be prevented from participating in the event of the standard of Jaipur Literature Festival.
As far as the opposition of the aggrieved community to Rushdie’s participation is concerned, it is for the Government of Rajasthan to ensure peace and tranquility in the state during literature festival. The state government can not take refuge in a certain community’s opposition to prevent Rushdie’s participation. Literature Festival is organized to throw light on the prevailing condition in society and to remove the narrow feelings from the minds of the people. Literature is the mirror society. It teaches us the merits of pluralism and how to live peacefully in a secular society.
Authors and writers are free to pen on any issue and theme but they must ensure that their comments do not hurt the religious sentiments of a community and individual. If a section of Muslim community holds Salman Rushdie responsible for writing blasphemous literature, they have every right to write literature in opposition to his feelings and expressions to counter his views. By preventing the world renowned Author Salman Rushdie from participating in Jaipur Literature Festival, neither the Rajasthan Government nor the aggrieved comunity is doing any to good to literature in its entirety.
Jaipur Literature Festival holds special significance for litterateur like Salman Rushdie in particular and the literary community in general. Rajashthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot must not evade responsibility from maintaining law and order and holding the literature festival peacefully. He must not play vote politics by appeasing the particular community, which opposes Rushdie, and place its anger as hurdle in the participation of world renowned author to keep it in good humour.
The Satanic Verses was published in 1988. Rushdie is a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) and the government cannot prevent him from coming to India.
The Satanic Verses had sparked outrage in the Muslim world and a fatwa was issue against the writer Salman Rushdie by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the Supreme Leader of Iran, on 14th February, 1989.
Salman Rushdie has penned several world renowned novels. As he is a person of Indian origin, he needs no visa to travel India. The top Islamic seminary Darool Uloom of Deoband has demanded that the Indian Government must not allow Salman Rushdie to come India to participate in Jaipur Literature Festival. Muslim community and its religious leaders have every right to oppose his views, which he has expressed in the novel.
Salman Rushdie in the capacity of an author also must not be punished for expressing his views, which he considers to be his thinking and feelings, in Satanic Verses.
In a secular democratic country like India where there is a freedom of expression, no one must be threatened to be physically eliminated for his views. Though his views must be opposed if they hurt the feeling any community or individual, he must not be prevented from participating in the event of the standard of Jaipur Literature Festival.
As far as the opposition of the aggrieved community to Rushdie’s participation is concerned, it is for the Government of Rajasthan to ensure peace and tranquility in the state during literature festival. The state government can not take refuge in a certain community’s opposition to prevent Rushdie’s participation. Literature Festival is organized to throw light on the prevailing condition in society and to remove the narrow feelings from the minds of the people. Literature is the mirror society. It teaches us the merits of pluralism and how to live peacefully in a secular society.
Authors and writers are free to pen on any issue and theme but they must ensure that their comments do not hurt the religious sentiments of a community and individual. If a section of Muslim community holds Salman Rushdie responsible for writing blasphemous literature, they have every right to write literature in opposition to his feelings and expressions to counter his views. By preventing the world renowned Author Salman Rushdie from participating in Jaipur Literature Festival, neither the Rajasthan Government nor the aggrieved comunity is doing any to good to literature in its entirety.
Jaipur Literature Festival holds special significance for litterateur like Salman Rushdie in particular and the literary community in general. Rajashthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot must not evade responsibility from maintaining law and order and holding the literature festival peacefully. He must not play vote politics by appeasing the particular community, which opposes Rushdie, and place its anger as hurdle in the participation of world renowned author to keep it in good humour.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
