Sir,
India is the largest democracy in the world. Since its independence India has opted for multiparty democracy. The framers of the constitution have rightly done so because of the nature of the country with its diverse cultures, religions, languages and regions. This multiparty system has of course worked for a long time. The main old political party Congress party virtually ruled the country unopposed for 60 years. It was really Congress versus rest of India.
But after Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination the politics began to charge its face. Since then Indian politics got divided into three main blocks like socalled secular block with Congress, Communists and Janta Dal, non – secular block with BJP and Shiv Sena, caste based block with BSP, Samajwadi Party and RJD.
As a matter of fact secular forces Congress etc misused secularism as a weapon for a long time. On the other hand, non-secular forces (BJP and Shiv Sena) in response to appeasement policy of Congress began to develop their vote bank by raising issues concerning to majority community. The net result of this policy is uncertain political future of the country.
Religion in Indian politics is a reality. The religion can neither be ignored nor overlooked nor even eliminated, only harmful effects of religious politics can however be replaced by a positive and honest secular policy.
Now at present tremendous change is going on in Indian politics (Saagar Manthan). It seems that the secular and non secular issue is no longer workable for political parties. Some political parties and groups are busy in shaking hands with those whom they branded as the most communal and corrupt.
The coalition Govt formation in Maharashtra by Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress is the best example that can be cited in this regard. The realignment process is still going on and some more surprises are expected to come in near future. Let us wait and watch.
Autar Krishan Razdan
Lale Da Bagh Jammu
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