Introduction
From Bihar’s education minister Chandrashekar’s remarks on Ramcharitra Manas to Swami Prasad Maurya and now Tamil Nadu chief minister’s son Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks on Sanatan Dharma has created a fair amount of rage among Hindus and Seers in India. In recent years it has become a knack of mocking Hindu religion by different politicians in India. As these leaders know that even if they do pass any loose remarks they will be let go free without any punishments. Why do politicians use Sanatan Dharma only to do their vote bank politics?
A frequent and controversial topic in India’s complex political canvas is the manipulation of religion for electoral benefits. Over the years, we have seen Indian political leaders consistently bad mouth Sanatan Dharma, one of the oldest and most profound religions in the world. This article aims to explore the reasons behind this trend and how it has helped politicians stay in the spotlight and win important votes for themselves.
Importance of Sanatan Dharma
Sanatan Dharma, commonly known as Hinduism, is not only a religion but also a way of life that is deeply rooted in the fabric of Indian society. Even the Supreme court of India has described Hinduism as not a religion but a way of life. It is a diverse and comprehensive belief system that has evolved over more than thousand years, adapting to various philosophies, practices, and faiths.
With its popularity among the Indian populace, it becomes an important factor for politicians who want to secure election victory. We saw how makers of Adipurush movie on the pretext of creativity made absolutely mockery of Ramayana which is considered as the greatest epics in Hindu religion. The protest from seers and Hindu outfits led to the reprimand by high court of Allahabad on the film makers.
Polarizing for Political Gain
A common plan used by politicians is to divide voters along religious lines. By smearing the Sanatan Dharma or portraying it negatively, they aim to strengthen their electoral base among religious minorities who may feel shunned or threatened. This strategy is not specific to any one political party but has been used across the entire political spectrum.
Turning Attention Away from Real Problems
Attacking or defaming Sanatan Dharma allows politicians to deflect public attention from pressing socio economic issues, their failures, governance and policy gaps. By arousing religious feelings and creating controversy, they distract from their actual achievement. Swami Prasad Maurya publicly abused Hinduism and a particular caste to keep his voters happy or stay relevant in the Uttar Pradesh politics where Yogi’s governance model is appreciated by other states also.
Playing for their Vote Banks
In a country as diverse as India, with its myriad belief systems and cultural practices, politicians understand the importance of keeping diverse interest groups happy. This vote bank politics in India is not new. It started with Rajiv Gandhi overturning the court decision in the parliament on Shah Bano case. Post that other political parties started using as a ploy to smear Hinduism to keep other voters happy.
We have seen this happening in Bengal, congress local leaders in Kerala cutting Cows in public which is considered as sacred in Hinduism. In condemning Sanatan Dharma, they often indulge certain sections of society, especially those of different religions, to get their vote.
Playing a Victim Card
Some politicians have also used the story that Sanatan Dharma is under threat to muster support. By presenting themselves as defenders of the faith, they see themselves as advocates for a particular religious group, in exchange for their loyalty and votes.
Getting Media Attention
Talking bad about Sanatan Dharma is a foolproof way to get attention. The media, when looking for sensational stories, often cover these controversial claims extensively. Politicians using this strategy make the most of the media’s mania with controversy to keep themselves in limelight.
Conclusions
While the continued disparagement of Sanatan Dharma by Indian politicians may serve their short-term political interests, they raise consequential concerns about the secular and inclusive structure of the country. The exploitation on religious lines for electoral gain is a dangerous game that can lead to social hostility and division.
It is essential that Indian voters remain alert and sensitive, focusing on issues of governance, development and inclusion rather than being persuaded by divisive power of speech. Politicians must be held responsible for their actions and voters must demand liability and ethical leadership that upholds the fundamental unity in diversity that India has long treasured. Only through such collaborative efforts can we hope to ensure that religion is no longer used as a pawn on the political chessboard of India.