Are Some Individuals Exploiting Lord Shiva's Name for Political Gain?
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Synopsis
In a bold statement, former SP MP S.T. Hasan has raised alarms about the misuse of the Kanwar Yatra for political purposes. His comments highlight serious concerns about the intersection of religion and politics in India, urging for accountability and fairness in electoral processes.
Key Takeaways
- Misuse of religion for political gain is a pressing concern.
- Violence during religious events undermines their sanctity.
- Electoral processes must remain fair and transparent.
- Political parties should prioritize the integrity of democratic practices.
- Public awareness is key to safeguarding democracy.
Moradabad, July 18 (NationPress) Former Samajwadi Party MP, S.T. Hasan stirred controversy on Friday by commenting on the ongoing Kanwar Yatra. He accused certain individuals of manipulating religion for political objectives and acting as though they are above the law.
S.T. Hasan stated to IANS, “The Kanwar Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage during which Hindus offer prayers to Lord Shiva by transporting Ganga water. However, a select few are misappropriating the name of Lord Shiva for political advantage. They are damaging vehicles, buses, tempos, and even attacking individuals. They should not assume they are above the law simply because the Director General of Police (DGP) is showing them favor.”
In response to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s recent remarks about identifying the culprits behind the Pahalgam terror attack, Hasan commented, “It’s reassuring news that the offenders have been pinpointed. Strict punishment is essential. Such individuals should not evade justice.”
Hasan also directed a fierce critique at the Election Commission of India (ECI), aligning with the concerns voiced by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Regarding the ECI’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Hasan contended that the initiative is politically driven.
“The Election Commission is now acting as the BJP’s B-team. Everyone witnessed how names were eliminated from voter lists in prior elections and how legitimate voters were stripped of their voting rights,” he informed IANS.
He further claimed that the proposed removal of over 32.5 lakh voters from Bihar's electoral rolls unfairly targets Muslims, many of whom do not possess birth certificates.
“This is a calculated move as Muslims tend to vote for secular parties rather than the BJP. The BJP is leveraging the Election Commission to skew electoral outcomes and secure victories by any means necessary,” he added.
Calling upon his Mahagathbandhan allies, Hasan urged, “I implore all alliance leaders to contemplate boycotting the Bihar elections. The prospect of free and fair elections has become a distant fantasy.”
Meanwhile, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, while addressing a rally in Kolkata on July 16, declared that her party would fiercely resist the ECI's revision process if it is executed in Bengal. She accused the BJP of attempting to purge genuine voters to sway the upcoming elections.
“It is evident that the BJP aims to eliminate Opposition votes in Bengal. However, we will contest them at every step,” Banerjee asserted.
Point of View
I emphasize that while political discourse is vital, it's crucial that it remains rooted in integrity and respect for cultural practices. Hasan's assertions regarding the Kanwar Yatra and electoral processes should be evaluated with careful scrutiny to ensure that our democracy remains robust and representative of all citizens.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kanwar Yatra?
The Kanwar Yatra is a significant pilgrimage for Hindus where devotees collect sacred water from the Ganges River and offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
Who is S.T. Hasan?
S.T. Hasan is a former Member of Parliament from the Samajwadi Party, known for his vocal stance on political and social issues.
What allegations did Hasan make regarding the Kanwar Yatra?
Hasan alleged that some individuals are misusing the name of Lord Shiva for political gains and engaging in violence during the pilgrimage.
What did Hasan say about the Election Commission of India?
Hasan criticized the Election Commission, suggesting that it has become a politically motivated entity that is undermining fair electoral processes.
What is the broader implication of Hasan's comments?
His comments raise important questions about the intersection of religion and politics, as well as the integrity of electoral systems in India.
