The Constitutional Subjugation of Hindus and Blind Loyalty to the Congress Party
Since India gained independence in 1947, the political landscape has undergone significant changes. However, one constant has been the Congress party’s influence and the legislation it has enacted. Despite enacting several laws perceived as anti-Hindu, many Hindus continue to support and vote for the Congress party. This article delves into these controversial laws and constitutional articles, highlighting how they have allegedly disadvantaged Hindus and yet failed to shift their political allegiance.
The National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992
The Indian Constitution does not explicitly define the terms “Majority” and “Minority.” In 1992, the Congress-led government introduced the National Commission for Minorities Act. This act formally divided the nation into majorities and minorities, creating a legal distinction that has fueled divisions within the country. This categorization has often been criticized for fostering a sense of otherness and segregation among different religious communities, contributing to social and political fragmentation.
Right to Education Act, 2009
The Right to Education (RTE) Act, enacted in 2009 by the Congress government, mandates free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years. However, the act exempts minority-run institutions, including those managed by Muslims and Christians, from its purview. This exemption means that while Hindu-run schools are subjected to stringent regulations and government control, minority-run schools operate with more autonomy. Critics argue that this creates an uneven playing field and exacerbates religious divides.
Articles 29 and 30: Religious Education and Institutional Control
Articles 29 and 30 of the Indian Constitution guarantee the rights of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions and to conserve their distinct language, script, and culture. However, these articles also prohibit Hindu-run schools from imparting religious education, while allowing Muslim and Christian institutions to do so. This has led to accusations of discrimination and has fueled feelings of injustice and marginalization among the Hindu community.
Article 48: Prohibition of Cow Slaughter
Article 48 of the Indian Constitution directs the state to take steps to prohibit the slaughter of cows and other milch and draught cattle. Despite this, many Muslim-owned establishments continue to sell beef openly, flouting the constitutional directive. This inconsistency in the implementation of the law has been a point of contention and has deepened the perceived divide between Hindus and Muslims.
Article 31A (1) (b): Government Interference in Temple Management
Article 31A (1) (b) allows the government to interfere in the management of temples if there is evidence of mismanagement of funds or administration. However, in practice, state governments have continued to control and manage temple properties indefinitely, often using temple revenues for secular purposes. This is in stark contrast to the autonomy enjoyed by mosques and churches, which are largely free from government interference. This differential treatment has fueled resentment among Hindus, who see it as an infringement on their religious freedoms.
Article 27: Misappropriation of Temple Funds
Article 27 prohibits the state from compelling any person to pay taxes, the proceeds of which are specifically appropriated for the promotion or maintenance of any particular religion or religious denomination. Despite this, funds collected from Hindu temples are often used for the welfare of minority communities, while the needs of the Hindu community are overlooked. This misappropriation of funds has led to accusations of bias and discrimination against Hindus.
Article 28: Ban on Religious Education for Hindus
Article 28 of the Indian Constitution prohibits religious instruction in any educational institution wholly maintained out of state funds. While this ostensibly applies to all religions, in practice, minority institutions, particularly those run by Muslims and Christians, continue to impart religious education. Conversely, Hindu-run institutions are restricted from teaching ancient texts and civilizational knowledge, leading to further allegations of discrimination and unfair treatment.
Constitutional Subjugation of Hindus
The cumulative effect of these laws and constitutional articles has been described as the constitutional subjugation of Hindus and Sanatana Dharma. Since independence, Hindus have felt marginalized and have been fighting for equal rights with little success. The systemic imposition of these articles by successive Congress governments has left many Hindus feeling betrayed and disenfranchised. Despite this, the majority of Hindus continue to vote for the Congress party, a phenomenon that baffles many political analysts.
The Blind Loyalty to Congress
The loyalty of Hindus to the Congress party, despite the perceived anti-Hindu legislation, raises several questions. Why do Hindus continue to support a party that has enacted laws that many feel undermine their rights and freedoms? One possible explanation is the historical association of the Congress party with India’s independence movement. For many, the Congress party symbolizes the fight for freedom and democracy, and this legacy continues to influence their voting behavior.
Another factor could be the lack of viable political alternatives. The Congress party has long been the dominant political force in India, and for many years, there were few credible alternatives. This political landscape is slowly changing, with the rise of parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which positions itself as a defender of Hindu rights. However, changing deeply ingrained political loyalties takes time.
The Way Forward
To address these issues, there needs to be a concerted effort to educate voters about the impact of these laws and constitutional articles on their rights and freedoms. Greater awareness could help shift political loyalties and encourage voters to support parties that genuinely represent their interests.
Moreover, there needs to be a push for constitutional reform to address the perceived biases and inequalities. This includes amending articles that unfairly discriminate against Hindus and ensuring that all religious communities are treated equally under the law.
Conclusion
The generation of Hindus from 1947 till date will be remembered as the most idiotic people in history by our next generations if they continue to blindly support a party that has enacted laws perceived as detrimental to their rights and freedoms. It is time for Hindus to re-evaluate their political loyalties and demand equal rights and fair treatment under the law. Only then can they hope to achieve true justice and equality in a democratic India.