Did Congress Compromise Its Stance on Communal Issues for Convenience?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Congress criticized for communal stance.
- CPI(M) leader supports Jamiat's claims.
- Historical leniency towards communalism questioned.
- Call for Congress to adhere to secular principles.
- Implications for future political credibility.
New Delhi, Jan 15 (NationPress) CPI(M) leader Hannan Mollah expressed support for Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind President Arshad Madani's allegations against the Congress party, claiming that it has failed to take decisive action against communal forces and has "compromised" its position "for convenience".
On Wednesday, Madani criticized the Congress, scrutinizing its historical handling of communalism, and asserted that its inaction against communal forces has brought the nation to the "brink of destruction".
In response, Mollah acknowledged that Madani's remarks hold some truth, stating that while the Congress is perceived as a secular party, it has occasionally "compromised" its principles for convenience, leading to detrimental consequences.
Mollah stated to IANS, "When a party cannot maintain a firm stance, people lose trust and become confused. Only a strong opinion can earn respect. Congress needs to adhere to its secular principles consistently to be viewed as a strong Opposition and the largest secular party."
In a post on X, Madani mentioned that timely decisive actions in the past could have changed the country’s course. He criticized the Congress for its lenient policies during its governance, which he believes encouraged religiously motivated hatred.
He further stated that the current situation could have been avoided if constitutional principles had been diligently implemented. Madani termed it an "unfortunate truth" that Congress leaders, possibly out of fear, adopted a soft stance against politically motivated hatred from the beginning.
Madani also remarked that communal forces were behind the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, adding, "If communalism had been eradicated at that time, the country could have been spared from devastation."
The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind asserted that the Congress is now facing repercussions for its past approach. Madani concluded, "Had Congress taken a stringent stance against communalism 77 years ago, it might not have lost power, and the country would not be on the brink of destruction."