The backlash
Ever since the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance government came to power at the Centre, it has become habitual for its spokespersons to turn debates, especially on television, into echo chambers of vitriolic communal hatred. One wonders if they are ‘loose cannons’ or are acting at the behest of the party leadership, since a spike in such inflammatory speeches and warmongering is usually seen before elections. Mounting international pressure has forced the Government to take action as a face-saving measure (Page 1, “Amid global outrage, BJP acts against leaders for hate remarks”, June 6). Foot soldiers and staunch followers of political parties emulate their leaders and are bolstered by their statements. It is time political leaders stop religious discrimination for narrow political gains.
Dr. Biju C. Mathew,
