April 18, 2026

Who Will Speak Up Against Majority Groups That Spew Hate

By Our Editorial Team
First publised on 2022-10-06 10:18:31

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It was good on part of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat to remind the minorities that they should speak up when there is violence, more specifically referring to the crimes committed in Udaipur and Amravati after the row over the controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammed. But it was sad that at the same time, Bhagwat did not remind the hotheads in the majority community to refrain from minority baiting by indulging in hate speeches or targeting the minorities through other means. Social responsibility cannot be sought to be fixed in a partisan manner.

It is indeed surprising that while the government talks about inclusive development and sabka saath sabka vishwas and sabka vikas, it does nothing to rein in people from the majority community, including religious leaders addressing so-called dharam sansads, from issuing threats, not even veiled, to the minorities. Is this the way to win sabka vishwas?

While Bhagwat calls upon minority leaders to condemn violence, he does not call upon the Hindu leaders to show restraint and treat the minorities with the respect they deserve as fellow Indians or prod the government to take strict action against those who demonize the minorities or even Hindus who oppose them.

It is clear to most observers, except perhaps to those who are turning a blind eye to recent developments, that India is hurtling down a path that will lead to extreme mistrust between communities on the one hand and exclude the minorities from the national mainstream on the other. It is necessary that the tide is reversed and India is able to achieve its true potential by having harmonious relations between communities so that each productive member of the population contributes his or her full might for the development of the nation.