The
recent spate of riots in Uttar Pradesh and polarization occurring on religious
grounds communal harmony has gathered great attention in wake of the next
national polls in 2014. While the INC, BJP, BSP and the Samajwadi Party led
state government blame each other for the bloody conflict and the loss of
lives, the larger point which is being missed is that communal riots have been
occurring in certain parts of India in a
systemic manner since its independence. It has flourished as an institution
and gets activated as noted by the eminent scholar Paul Brass, ‘during periods
of political mobilization or during the time of elections’. Hence these riots are far from being spontaneous and are produced
in a theatrical style in terms of involvement of volunteers and adoption of
certain strategies.
Ever
since the ascendency of Ajit Singh, his party the Lok Dal has had a tumultuous
journey with frequent shuffling of political partners and seeking alliances
that would keep it buoyant in the murky politics of caste/clan and religion.
While the Lok Dal’s political formulation has largely shrunk in the present
scenario, it is yet to be seen if it is able to maintain its foothold, this
time when the Jats and Muslims have emerged as the main participants in the
ongoing conflict.
Containing
the communal conflagration depends on the political will of other state
governments lest their respective regions don’t get inflamed, but the larger
question remains that the complicity of the state or political parties in
communal conflicts strips them of their neutrality and legitimacy, resulting in
various groups settling their disputes by an extra constitutional means. Hence
the development of a sustained culture of negotiation, tolerance and
accommodation is the need of the hour to address communalization and
militarization of the society.
R Radhakrishnan, Political Analyst
Indian democracy is a big sham. I agree with the views . Electoral compulsions make the parties to communalize the society for electoral gains. Leaders claim that they work for the benefit of people. This is a white lie as leaders manipulate people to garner money, power. They play on the emotions of the gullible masses and exploit the caste, communal divide to their advantage.
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