[dropcap]F[/dropcap]inally, the man who is ‘center of attraction’ or considered ‘man of the moment’ breaks his silence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has realized now the detrimental effects his government received because of the vocal and dominant activities of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and their sister outfits. The jolt he and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) received in the recent Delhi assembly poll is too much for them to take. The poor performance of that poll by the saffron party was partly attributed to the ever climaxing advocacy on Hindu nationalism carried out by the VHP and RSS.On Tuesday, Mr. Modi said that his “government will ensure complete freedom of faith and will not allow any religious group to incite hatred against others overtly or covertly”. The Prime Minister also said that his government will ensure that there is complete freedom of faith and that everyone has the undeniable right to retain or adopt the religion of his or her choice without coercion or undue influence. “Mine will be a government that gives equal respect to all religions,” Mr. Modi added. The Prime Minister also said that ‘we cannot accept violence against any religion on any pretext and I strongly condemn such violence’. He further stated that his government will act strongly in this regard.
Mr. Modi, we appreciate you for this comment. However, Mr. Prime Minister, this is too little a balm to soothe the hurt sentiment of the minorities. Mr. Modi, you need to go much further and be direct to allay fears and apprehension of the minority communities especially the Muslims and the Christians.
In the wake of the concerted canvassing by the VHP and the RSS in pushing their (obvious) agenda to the fore is threatening the delicate social fabric of the society today.
