Nations vision on Secularism had been always a blurred one and appeased not the real minority such as Christians, Sikhs, Jains, or Parsees as they were insignificant minority not capable of influencing the outcome in the elections.Congress always laid emphasis on appeasing Muslims as they were in majority amongst the minorities and always drew attention.15% Muslims generally through out India and concentrated 25%-30% in various constituencies in many states became dear to Congress from Mahatma Gandhi to Pt.Nehru.
In 1946,Maulana Abul Kalam was going to retire as President of Congress and his replacement was considered.Mahatma Gandhi wanted Sardar Patel to take over as party President but Maulana Azad influenced Gandhi Ji to go for Pt.Nehru as he would have commanded better respect from Muslims.Sardar Patel was always perceived as a tough man .
Dr.A.S.Pabla, one of the biographers of Sardar Patel described Sardar in the following words:- “His great integrity, strict discipline and adherence to core principles of the struggle ,complete disinterest in office and power as such,and fatherly care for his associates and fellow congressmen made him the only man capable of standing up to Gandhi Ji.“
But Sardar Patel was sidelined at the instance of Mahatma despite near unanimous choice. Pt.Nehru did not receive even one vote in the AICC.Sardar Patel felt pain at this decision but bowed to the wishes of Gandhi Ji. Rest is history, every one knows about it.
When partition took place,lot of Muslims migrated to Pakistan and the evacuees properties were allotted to refugees who came from other side of the border. Mahatma wanted that all the Muslims be brought back to India and their properties occupied by Hindus be reallocated to them.However, it did not happen.
When Pakistani infiltrators attacked Kashmir, Sardar Patel proposed withholding Pakisatan`s share of cash balances left by the British. The amount was Rs.54/- Cr. Gandhi Ji said such an act would be morally wrong and went on a fast unto death. Sardar Patel tried to prevail over Gandhi Ji, but he finally relented in order to save the life of Gandhi Ji.
When Secularism was being articulated, it was perceived that there should be “equal respect,equal opportunities and equal liberty for all, regardless of their religious affiliation or social location”. In principle, the Indian National Congress had agreed but in practical terms, appeasement to Muslims was perused.
Dr.S.Radhakrishnan noted “No religion should be given preferential status of unique distinction. No person should suffer any form of disability or discrimination because of his religion but all alike should be free to share to the fullest degree in the common life.“
Are our leaders applying the aforesaid principles in pursuing secularism.? Are our secular leaders not chasing a particular religion for votes? Are they not branding others who are not pursuing that policy as fundamentalists? Was the Accidental Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh right when he said that Muslims have the first charge over the national resources?Was Sonia Gandhi right in demanding Bhukhari not to allow the secular votes to be fragmented?
When Kashmiri Pandits were thrown out from Kashmir, did these secularists shed any tears on them? Hindus are minority in Kasmir, was their rights ever protected in the last 20 yrs? When 59 Kar sewaks were roasted in train compartment at Godhara Rly. Station,did the secularist or the secular media ever drop a tears.What kind of secularism the Congress or so called secular parties are pursuing?
During Mrs. Indira Gandhi‘s life time any attack on her used to be fashioned as attack on the stability of the nation,The sycophants of Congress would not allow any one to say a word against Mrs.Gandhi.Now every secular parties chasing Muslim votes abuse each other profusely but they bury all their hatchets and join hands together to form government at the center .,no matter,nation takes nose dive.In the name of fake secularism,they are prepared to drown the nation.
When BJP was likely to come to power in 1996,the secularists pronounced that BJP will disintegrate the nation if it comes to power.People gave better and better numbers to BJP in three successive elections and BJP did much better than all the previous governments. National remained quite intact.Unfortunately, NDA lost marginally in 2004 and UPA came to power in 2004 and 2009.Nation has suffered heavily,in dignity of the people and economically too.
I only wish nation`s blurred vision is cleared and all the mud in the eyes are washed away with the tears people had to release from their eyes.Nation must be cautious now and not be mislead by the fake secularism.
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Salute #Sardar Patel…..Good Post with all the facts accurately presented…..Thank You…..
Accurate facts.But Nation has to decide. Nation wants secularism toffee or development.
Always pleasure to read your articles. One special word for Sardar #respect.