Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Misusing religion

Sir, — This has reference to the news report ``PM decries misuse of religion by terrorists'' (Feb 11). Come elections, the BJP takes out the Ram temple agenda like a snake charmer brings the snake out of the basket. The party has never fought any election on socially relevant issues. It always takes up a highly emotive religious issue, be it cow or tallow. It is clear that the BJP is guilty of misusing religion. Its grassroots outfits like the VHP and the Bajrang Dal are openly ridiculing the law of the land and the Constitution.

Charity begins at home. Let the BJP pledge itself not to use religion for any political gain and start behaving like a mature political party.

Chandra P. Mathur,
New Delhi

* * *

Sir, — The `Ayodhya issue' has been raked up again in view of the Assembly elections. It is a known fact that the VHP has openly declared that it will not accept the Supreme Court orders on the temple dispute and insists on carrying out the decision of the `Dharam Sansad' to be held on Feb. 22. What then is the rationale behind the Centre's move to request the Supreme Court to lift its ban on religious activity at the undisputed land around the Babri Masjid?

A.T.M. Anwar,
Hyderabad

* * *

Sir, — I agree with the write-up "Religious extremism and national security" by Afsir Karim (Feb. 6) The writer rightly warns the Government, the parties and the people in general of the ills and mistakes being committed by the religious fanatics. India is a secular country. But when the Prime Minister, Governors and Ministers organise religious congregations at their official residences, we begin to wonder if ours is a secular polity in the true sense.

R.K. Chopra,
New Delhi

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