Actress turned politician Urmila Matondkar has again churned a controversy, in a recent interview with controversial news journalist Rajdeep Sardesai she had said, “The religion which has been known for its tolerance has become the most violent”. Urmila Matondkar in her political journey, which had just started a few weeks ago, has not been short on finding herself amidst controversies, some incidental and some deliberate. Urmila Matondkar in her comments has referred to Hinduism which has inherently been tolerant and inclusive to have become the most violent of religions.
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Urmila Matondkar who is thought to be very opinionated on issues of social importance has joined the ranks of new and old Congress Politicians, missing no chance to target the majority repeatedly to consolidate minority votes. Urmila with her comments on Hinduism has traversed the politico-social ‘Lakshman rekha’ into the domain of hate and divisive politics for electoral benefits. With her comments she has just reiterated Congress’ long standing stance of being unfair and unjust to the majority, while appeasing minorities, to unhealthy limits in a democracy.
Urmila who was one of the high profile figures to join in the Congress on joining the congress had said: “I am here because I believe in the ideology of Congress and what the party stands for. I have not joined the party for the sake of elections,” surely her comments, more or less, stand vindicated.
Ex Prime Minister Manmohan Singh following on party lines had also said: “We will have to devise innovative plans to ensure that minorities, particularly the Muslim minority, are empowered to share equitably the fruits of development. These must have the first claim on recourses.”
Congress has also been facing sharp criticism for its stand on reviewing The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and the Disturbed Areas Act, which has been the basis for protection of our security forces from radical aggression and maintaining law and order in the Kashmir valley. With many claiming Congress’ manifesto to be hand in gloves with the separatist and insurgent forces active in Kashmir valley, a move which many political experts claim to be aimed at consolidating minority votes.
The 2019 elections has been seeing desperate attempts from various parties to save their political ground form BJP which has been poised good to make inroads in new political territories. Congress chief in another example portrayed how vote consolidation is the top agenda for Congress.
Congress coming up with its new plans has also decided to field Congress president from minority dominated Parliamentary constituency Wayanad, Kerala. This comes after Smriti Irani has emerged as the popular candidate in the erstwhile Congress bastion in Uttar Pradesh, Amethi. However, Rahul contesting from Kerala, and that to from a minority dominated seat is sure to help Rahul Gandhi consolidate votes.
The politics of hate and division may sure benefit some parties to consolidate their votes however it is sure to hurt India’s’ democratic fabric in the long run. Comments made by Urmila are condemnable and should be refuted by all the political parties with the highest effect. Her silence on political killings in WB and Kerala also raise questions on whether her concerns about Hinduism are genuine.