Introduction
In recent times, India has witnessed a troubling trend where opposition politicians make controversial remarks about Hindu deities and religion. The most recent incident involves RJD MLA Fateh Bahadur Singh, who questioned the existence of Goddess Durga and criticized her absence during British rule in India.
The Controversial Remarks
RJD MLA Fateh Bahadur Singh's statement that Goddess Durga is an imaginary character has sparked outrage and debate. “Devi Durga is an imaginary character of a story. She has no existence. She is a part of a fabricated story and has no truth,” Singh said while claiming that Mahisasur was his ancestor.
“I admit to the existence of goddess Durga and 33 crore gods and goddesses in the country but when we became slaves, the population of the country was 30 crore. I want to ask a question to those who have described that Mahisasur had crores of warriors. Still, goddess Durga killed him. If that is true then where was she when a handful of British made us slaves?,” said Singh, the RJD MLA from the Dehri assembly constituency.
The Implications
The BJP has stated that Singh's comments are a test of Hindu tolerance. Just because Hinduism is in the majority doesn’t mean that the politicians and people of significance can disrespect the traditions of Hinduism.
While freedom of speech is a fundamental right enshrined in the Indian Constitution, it is not an absolute right. Our words carry weight and can have significant consequences, and we cannot abuse this right to make hurtful or harmful statements, especially when such statements could hurt the sentiments and beliefs of a billion people.
If something similar had been said for Islam or Christianity, it would’ve created uproar in not just the Indian left but also in the Middle East and the West. By now the US State Department would’ve even commented how they’re concerned about religious freedom in India. This stark difference in reactions to comments about Hinduism and other religions raises important questions about the sensitivity and respect accorded to different faiths in the country and around the globe.
The Political Angle
Politicians making comments on religion, particularly Hinduism, has become a common political strategy, often employed to secure Muslim vote banks. Singh's comments, made just a few months before the elections, is a textbook example of this practice.
Double Standards
If you look at the remarks made on Hindu deities and those on other religions, it shows a clear disparity in the reactions and consequences. When comments are made about Islam or other religions, they often result in swift and severe backlash. When the comedy group AIB joked about Christianity, within a week they posted an apology on Facebook and even met the senior Christian Priests to offer their apology in person. However, derogatory statements about Hindu deities escape significant consequences or are outright celebrated.
The Way Forward
To address the growing trend of controversial remarks on religious matters, it is crucial for the government to take strict actions against those who hurt the sentiments of any religion. Striking a balance between freedom of expression and respect for religious sensitivities is essential in a diverse and multicultural country like India. Leaders, irrespective of their political affiliations, must refrain from making comments that can incite religious tensions and division.
In conclusion, the recent trend of controversial remarks on Hindu deities in India is a matter of concern, both in terms of political exploitation and the potential for social divisions. Striking a balance between freedom of expression and respect for religious sensitivities is imperative in a country where multiple religions coexist. Upholding the principles of secularism, India should foster an environment of respect and tolerance for all faiths, ensuring that the right to freedom of expression is exercised responsibly and sensitively.
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