“Most religious men I’ve met are politicians in disguise, I however wear the guise of a politician but am at heart a religious man.” – Mahatma Gandhi
The Kerala Election commission reminded me again of these words through its order to inquire about KCBCs alleged pastoral letter against non believers. Religion and politics are inseparable but when they meet for power it becomes a spoilt broth ! In his book “Politics and Religion in the modern world” George Moyser tells about the role it played in National struggle and the importance it held in uniting the various factions against the British . But it will be worth remembering that the same was a useful weapon in hands of British in the form of “Divide and Rule”. The difference between the religious impact of yesteryear s and today is the reform part it played in the social context . The hindu reforms led by Swami Vivekananda & Arya Samaj played a critical part in the struggle for independence where as today the sole aim it plays is power and nepotism . This was clearly forseen by our forfathers who enshrined secularism in the preamble in the constitution (other wise you would have see “In the name of God “ in that famous preamble). The point is clear , the constitution does not intend to create either believers or non-believers in this country rather it treats them equal which is why the current pastoral letter should be detested.
While it is natural for any institution to have political ambitions and political leanings but it becomes suicidal when it comes to religion . As marx put it “Religion is opium in the minds of people” .Most of the religions demand unquestioned belief – mostly , belief in the clergy – from the followers. This has been put to dangerous use by the Taliban, the RSS & many other “neo-terrorist” outfits. While each of them have obvious and more mild political forms, they have been opposed virulently in the society. This is where I can not laugh off the political messages read out to the followers!
While the rigid nature of administration and wide spread corruption has made it difficult for organized modern states to become efficient bureaucratic organizations the religious bodies were able to negotiate a middle path and strike necessary compromises – be it ideological or physical – whenever required. The failure of the administrators to reach out to the poor had infact become the most fertile ground for religious bodies which claimed bumper harvests from such regions! The failure to overcome poverty for example has prompted millions to take refuge in promised salvation and solemnity .
I would also question the “natural association” theory against non-believers as claimed. How can be a group pressing for some particular demand or political goal be integrated with the mainstream politics? Experiences show me this is close to impossible! How can we forget the Shah Bano Incident? That was the beginning of modern communalism in India which fostered a radical Hinduism in this land. The collective bargaining could be used in such situations – a blow in the face of humanity! In worst possible cases like “Khalistan” it could have separatist undertones putting the integrity of nation at stake.Much more dangerous political use of religion , in recent history , was that of Narendra Modi which all of us know how ! The picture of Church & its behavior in Africa and Lation america aren’t too good either.
Politics and religion represent a intermingled yet deadly combination if equilibrium is not properly maintained. So it will be in the best interests of society to have institutionalized religion stay away from Politics
