Modi’s tough talk on religious bias not only against Hindus

MUMBAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s straight talk on zero tolerance to religious discrimination is not only aimed at “pro-Hindutva” forces but also “bigots” converting Hindus, Shiv Sena said today as it raked up core saffron agenda including Article 370 and uniform civil code.

“Prime Minister has taken a strong view against extremists by saying that communal intolerance will not be accepted. But the question is whom these comments were meant for.

“Modi’s statement has been projected as if it is meant for ‘Hindutvavadis’ in certain sections. But, we don’t think that Modi had only Hindutvavadis in mind when he made those comments,” Sena said in its party mouthpiece ‘Saamana’.

Modi had recently asserted that he will not tolerate any discrimination or violence against any community and termed anti-minority comments by some Sangh Parivar leaders as “unfortunate” and “uncalled for”.

“Hindutva is a culture and it should not be overzealous.

But, at the same time, to convert tribal and poor Hindus to Islam or Christianity by allurement is also terrorism. Modi’s plain-talk is for such bigots,” the editorial said.

Sena said Modi’s assertion also applies to those who convert tribal and poor Hindus to Islam or Christianity by “deception”.

Sena said, “Modi’s comments were also directed at those who oppose the uniform civil code and those who oppose the scrapping of Article 370 of the Constitution. His comments also seem to be directed at (AIMIM president Assaduddin) Owaisi, who is stoking (communal) fire. Modi has also taken on those (through his comments) who unfurl flag of Pakistan in Kashmir.”

The BJP leadership, including its president Amit Shah have been insisting they have not abandoned the party’s core agenda including construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya but said they do not have the required mandate in Parliament a legislative solution to the contentious issue.

The editorial said the recent attacks on churches had led to Modi’s criticism by the Christian community across the globe.

“However, the real reasons behind the attacks on churches and who were the culprits are still unknown. If these attacks happened due to conversion row then Modi’s message was also for those who indulge in conversion,” it said.–PTI